The Fug of Madness

fug (fŭg) n. A heavy, stale atmosphere, especially the musty air of an overcrowded or poorly ventilated room: "In spite of the open windows the stench had become a reeking fug"


–noun
stale air, esp. the humid, warm, ill-smelling air of a crowded room, kitchen, etc.
Origin: 1885–90; of obscure orig.; cf. earlier Brit. slang fogo stench