Why were groundlings called penny stinkards?

Groundlings, the lower-class audience members who stood in the pit of Elizabethan theaters, were often referred to as "penny stinkards" because they paid just a penny for admission and were sometimes considered less refined than wealthier patrons. The term "stinkard" reflects the notion that they brought with them less desirable odors, likely due to the lack of hygiene during that era. Despite this, groundlings were known for their enthusiastic reactions and played a crucial role in the lively atmosphere of performances.