Why do we use the "smell of rotten eggs" as a description of a foul odour?

Question

I rather suspect that most of us, myself included, have never actually smelled a rotten egg and only understand the meaning of that phrase by its association with the smell of sulphur or hydrogen sulfide.

Answer 1

because it tastes horrible. i ate one of those bertie botts flavored jelly beans, based on the candy from the harry potter movies.  awful!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

Just a few generations ago, even many urban dwellers kept a few chickens and would have been aquainted with the smell of rotten eggs. There aren't too many worse smells you'll encounter around the house or yard.

Answer 3

Because rotten eggs smell nasty!

Answer 4

It's all about chicken, we blame it for everything, for example, "Ever eat rotted horse or(insert any other weird piece of animal flesh that someone has eaten)?  It tastes like chicken!!!"  "What's for dinner?  Chicken AGAIN?"  It's a conspiracy!!!