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

Altadena has been called artsy and a bit funky and architecturally varied, but it was celebrated for three things in particular:

From Los Angeles Times

Angela looked as if she could run a marathon—even in those funky high heels she was wearing.

From Literature

It’s stiff and funky, eerie and propulsive, and like the album as a whole it cries out to be played again.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• earthy
• fashionable
• hip