Why is literature still figuratively the nervous dude in the tweed jacket smelling of moth balls?

FORBES: The 21st Century Novel: Jaded Ibis Sees a 'Mashup'

When you search for certain keywords like durian, campsite, moth balls, grandpa's hat or maple syrup, a description of that object's odor and a big blue "Smell" button appear alongside the search results.

CNN: Heather Kelly,