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

• funkiness
  noun
• funkily
  adverb

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

Explanation

Something that's funky has a strong musical rhythm or beat, and a deep bluesy sound. You might practice some funky bass lines before auditioning for your school's jazz band. Funky tunes have some of the spirit of the 1960s-era music genre called funk, a branch of R&B that's influenced by soul and jazz music. Rhythm is so important in funky music that the drums and bass are emphasized, melody less so. Based on this cool music, funky also means "stylish" or "hip:" "Mom, those pants are totally funky." The word's original meaning, however, was "stinky," specifically when discussing the smell of aged cheese.

Related Words

• earthy
• fashionable
• hip