i-adjective
smelling of mold; musty; putrid
Describes the unpleasant smell of mold or dampness, often in rooms, clothes, or food.
長い間閉め切っていた部屋がカビ臭い。
The room that was shut up for a long time smells musty.
このタオル、なんだかカビ臭いね。
This towel smells kind of moldy, doesn't it?
i-adjective
old-fashioned; stale; hackneyed; worn-out
Figurative use for ideas, jokes, or styles that feel outdated or trite. Similar to 古臭い.
See also: 古臭い
彼のギャグはいつもカビ臭い。
His jokes are always stale.
その考え方はもうカビ臭いよ。
That way of thinking is already old-fashioned.