funky

¹ American  

[fuhng-kee] / ˈfʌŋ ki /

adjective

funkier, funkiest

1. overcome with great fear; terrified.

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funky ² American  

[fuhng-kee] / ˈfʌŋ ki /

adjective

funkier, funkiest

1. Jazz. having an earthy, blues-based quality or character.

2. having an offensive smell; evil-smelling; foul.

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funky ¹ British  

/ ˈfʌŋkɪ /

adjective

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

2. authentic; earthy

3. stylish and exciting; cool

   funky jeans

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funky ² British  

/ ˈfʌŋkɪ /

adjective

1. slang evil-smelling; foul

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Other Word Forms

• funkily adverb
• funkiness noun

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

Racking up two Grammy awards and frequently featured on “best of all time” lists, this funky dance-pop hit was the second single off “Thriller,” Jackson’s sixth studio album.

From The Wall Street Journal

As we go, Mom hums a song with a funky beat.

From Literature

The album started with quiet wind and then turned into a tornado of thunder and sirens, swordplay and gunfire over big horns and a funky soul backbeat.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m finishing rinsing an especially funky bottle when I hear someone rattling down the sidewalk.

From Literature

However, there are several pops of color throughout the abode, including a large pink couch in one of the living areas, as well as funky yellow-and-green tile in a bathroom.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• earthy
• fashionable
• hip