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

As a result, “all these funky little lots in the city of Seattle are eligible for nice little boutique apartment buildings,” said Van Leeuwen.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Vinyl records, classic books, nostalgic toys, funky mugs, serving dishes and high-end kitchenware are all popular gifts sold at Goodwill stores, Crawley said.

Read more on MarketWatch

So, how about ditching the microscopic tech, and just relying on a TV picture with no lines or funky graphics and an official's eye?

Read more on BBC

Yet in this funky season, there are over-achievers all over the standings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Perhaps because I associate purple with funky creativity, ChatGPT feels more like playtime now that my text bubbles show up in purple rather than dull office gray.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• earthy 
• fashionable 
• hip