Are humans a messy species? - 6 Minute English

How do us humans compare with other animals when it comes to keeping ourselves and our environment clean? In this programme, we’ll be asking whether humans as a species are naturally clean and tidy. Neil and Sam talk about the topic and teach you related vocabulary along the way.

This week's question:
In Victorian times the population of London boomed and so did all the pee and poo being thrown into the River Thames. It got so bad that by the 1850s the awful smell had its own name – but what?
A) The Great Stench
B) The Great Stink
C) The Great Smell
Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary
out of sight, out of mind
said to emphasise that it is easier to forget something when you cannot see it

go to great lengths
try very hard to achieve something

territorial markers
smells secreted by animals into their dung or urine to mark their territory

disgust
strong feeling of dislike or repulsion

nausea
the feeling that you are going to vomit or be sick

raise make a stink about something
make a strong public complaint

[Cover: Getty Images]

To download the audio and a transcript, go to:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-210729

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