Pongy is an informal term that means having a strong, unpleasant smell. When describing such odors, one may use synonyms such as malodorous, fetid, rank, putrid, noxious, pungent, foul, offensive, rancid, sour, musty, and dank. These words are commonly used to describe bad smells emanating from garbage, rotting food, decaying organic matter, or unclean living conditions. Unlike more formal terms, these words are often associated with strong, unpleasant smells that can cause discomfort, nausea, or even health hazards. To describe pleasant or neutral smells, one may use synonyms such as fragrant, sweet-smelling, perfumed, or aromatic, among others.