funky

¹

[ fuhng-kee ]

adjective

, funk·i·er, funk·i·est.

1. overcome with great fear; terrified.

funky

²

[ fuhng-kee ]

adjective

, funk·i·er, funk·i·est.

1. Jazz. having an earthy, blues-based quality or character.
2. having an offensive smell; evil-smelling; foul.

funky

¹

/ ˈfʌŋkɪ /

adjective

1. slang.
   evil-smelling; foul

funky

²

/ ˈfʌŋkɪ /

adjective

1. (of music) passionate, soulful; of or pertaining to funk
2. authentic; earthy
3. stylish and exciting; cool

   funky jeans

Other Words From

• funki·ly adverb
• funki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of funky¹

First recorded in 1830–40; funk ¹ + -y ¹

Origin of funky²

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; funk ² + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of funky¹

C18: from funk ²

Origin of funky²

C20: from funk ², perhaps alluding to music that was smelly, that is, earthy (like the early blues)

Example Sentences

“We tried this Bob Dylan-y thing, like …” she rattles off a rapid-fire nonsense representation of “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” “then we went through something more funky, more ironic, kind of Talking Heads,” she says, laughing.

From Los Angeles Times

The English vocal powerhouse Yola spells out her pleasure principle on “Symphony,” a funky, upbeat celebration of sensuality that will appear on her forthcoming EP, “My Way.”

From New York Times

Young’s ample pipes and charisma are on full display on her latest single, “Charlie,” a funky ballad about a toxic romance.

From New York Times

With those words ringing in his ears, Jones kept the arrangement lean and funky.

From BBC

So she gets dressed — “you can’t just be walking around here in an old funky T-shirt,” she tells herself — and heads to an unusual hangout tucked into a Sunset Boulevard office building.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• earthy
• fashionable
• hip