<span>The word pungent refers to the pickles' scent. Pungent is an adjective that describes something with a very sharp or distinct smell. In this excerpt the pickles must have a very strong smell that stands out from the rest of the environment. Thus, they smell pungent.</span>
In the excerpt, the word "pungent" refers to the pickles' aroma. Pungent is a word to describe a very strong smell, very sharp and biting. So when Untermeyer used the word pungent to refer to the pickles, he was talking about their aroma, which is a fancy way to say smell.
Libel is written slander that causes monetary damage or damage to the reputation of person being written about if what is written is in fact not true, so the best way for a reporter to avoid being sued is to have credible sources, evidence, and facts to back up their written allegations.
