What is the origin of the idiom "drunk as a skunk" and when to use it?

The idiom "drunk as a skunk" is a humorous expression used to describe someone who is heavily intoxicated or inebriated due to the consumption of alcohol. The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it likely stems from the playfulness of the rhyming words, emphasizing the extreme state of drunkenness. It's not meant to be taken literally; rather, it's a lighthearted way to convey someone's high level of alcohol intoxication.