funky

1
[ fuhng-kee ]
See synonyms for funky on Thesaurus.com
adjective,funk·i·er, funk·i·est.
  1. overcome with great fear; terrified.

Origin of funky

1
First recorded in 1830–40; funk1 + -y1

Other definitions for funky (2 of 2)

funky2
[ 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.

Origin of funky

2
An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; funk2 + -y1

Other words from funky

  • funk·i·ly, adverb
  • funk·i·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for funky (1 of 2)

funky1

/ (ˈfʌŋkɪ) /


adjectivefunkier or funkiest informal
  1. (of music) passionate, soulful; of or pertaining to funk

  2. authentic; earthy

  1. stylish and exciting; cool: funky jeans

Origin of funky

1
C20: from funk ², perhaps alluding to music that was smelly, that is, earthy (like the early blues)

British Dictionary definitions for funky (2 of 2)

funky2

/ (ˈfʌŋkɪ) /


adjectivefunkier or funkiest
  1. slang, mainly US evil-smelling; foul

Origin of funky

2
C18: from funk ²

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012