Definition

Describing fish that have recently released their eggs, making them less desirable to eat.

Example

The shotten herring were not as popular in the market this season.

Conversation

I heard that the fish we caught yesterday was a bit shotten.

Really? I thought it looked fine when we caught it.

Yeah, but I've read that shotten fish can taste different.

That makes sense, I guess we should be careful about what we eat.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shotten → This word originates from Old English 'scēotan' (meaning to shoot) and the past participle suffix '-en'. The word 'shotten' refers to something that has been shot or discharged.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for 'shooting' — when something is 'shotten', it means it has been shot or discharged.

Visually Confused Words