funky

¹

[fuhng-kee]

adjective

funkier, funkiest 

1. overcome with great fear; terrified.

funky

²

[fuhng-kee]

adjective

funkier, funkiest 

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

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

funky

¹

/ ˈfʌŋkɪ /

adjective

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

2. authentic; earthy

3. stylish and exciting; cool

   funky jeans

funky

²

/ ˈfʌŋkɪ /

adjective

1. slang,  evil-smelling; foul

Other Word Forms

• funkily adverb
• funkiness 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

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

Origin of funky²

C18: from _funk ²

Example Sentences

Some Starbucks baristas, store managers and company alumni believe the moves go too far, potentially divorcing the company from what made its cafes fun, funky and human-centered in previous days.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The funky, carousel shape of the building is reminiscent of mimetic, or programmatic, architecture that began cropping up in Los Angeles in the early 20th century.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Cowboys and Angels” is laid-back and jazzy, while the humid “Soul Free” similarly boasts funky flutes and a falsetto detour, and acoustic guitars and warm harmonies give “Heal the Pain” a Beatles-esque feel.

Read more on Salon

First, however, I fell for Mi Tocaya Antojería, a funky place with tall windows facing a patio in the dynamic neighborhood of Logan Square.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The decor is funky and kitschy, yet classy; it’s magical.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• earthy 
• fashionable 
• hip