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View synonyms for quirky

quirky

[ kwur-kee ]

adjective

, quirk·i·er, quirk·i·est.
  1. having or full of quirks.


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Other Words From

  • quirki·ly adverb
  • quirki·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of quirky1

First recorded in 1800–10; quirk + -y 1
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Example Sentences

Again, it is walking that line: “It feels like Elsbeth. It’s quirky, but it’s still elegant.”

The spoilers will stop there because the quirky details and fun turns that unfold from there are part of its charm.

Scientists believe they have found a quirky way to fight mosquito-spread diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and Zika - by turning male insects deaf so they struggle to mate and breed.

From BBC

Cult of the Lamb is a quirky 2022 release featuring cute cartoon animals the player must turn into loyal followers of an entity known as The One Who Waits.

From BBC

He had a quirky sense of humor, and he didn’t have any problems making fun of himself.

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More About Quirky

What does quirky mean?

Quirky describes something that has or is full of quirks, which are odd or unusual qualities.

Usually, a person is described as quirky when they behave in a way or have qualities that are unique to them or that set them apart from others. Things are described as quirky when they have odd qualities. A quirky house, for example, might be painted fluorescent colors or have an odd shape.

Examples:

  • Because Janet dyes her hair bright green and wears roller skates more than shoes, people think of her as quirky. 
  • The painting’s irregular shapes and vivid colors give it a quirky feel.

Where does quirky come from?

The first records of quirky come from about 1800. It is an adjective form of the older word quirk, whose origin is uncertain.

If something is quirky, it has quirks. A quirk is a mannerism or characteristic that is considered peculiar or unusual. Someone or something that is quirky has a lot of quirks or acts in a way that is considered different or odd. A dog described as quirky might behave in a way that’s unexpected, especially for its particular breed—like a hound that’s afraid of squirrels.

Nonliving things that are described as quirky don’t follow the intended design or are obviously different compared to other members of a group or category. Rainbow-colored socks, for example, are a quirky fashion choice that stand out from plainer socks people usually buy.

When it comes to people, though, quirkiness is often determined based on what is considered “normal” or “average” in a given place. A tourist or foreign visitor may be called quirky even if they are acting in a way that is considered normal in the place they come from.

At the same time, certain behaviors or actions are considered quirky because most people don’t usually act a certain way: A person who wears their pants on their head would be considered quirky because that is a behavior almost everybody would consider odd or unusual.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to quirky?

  • quirkier (adjective)
  • quirkiest (adjective)
  • quirkiness (noun)
  • quirkily (adverb)

What are some synonyms for quirky?

What are some words that share a root or word element with quirky

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing quirky?

How is quirky used in real life?

Quirky is used to describe things or people that are unusual or odd.

 

 

Try using quirky!

Is quirky used correctly in the following sentence?

People think of my cat as quirky just because he befriends mice and dogs.

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