Definition
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
Origins
Suggesting the identification of something by how it smells.
In Context
- "Near-synonyms: sanity test, sanity check; reality check"
- "In many cases, said Henry J. Stern, the president of the Citizens Union, a civic group, and a former city Parks Commissioner, "you have to apply the nose test." "Does it smell?" he said, referring to such deals. "Is it based on a personal relationship? Does it run contrary to the city's interest?""
Also Said As
- smell test
- sniff test
- sanity test
- sanity check
- ;
- reality check