punky

¹ American  

[puhng-kee] / ˈpʌŋ ki /

adjective

punkier, punkiest

1. of, like, or pertaining to spongy punk.

2. burning very slowly, as a fire.

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punky ² American  

[puhng-kee] / ˈpʌŋ ki /

adjective

punkier, punkiest

1. Slang. of or like punks or hoodlums.

2. of, relating to, or characteristic of punk rock, its performers, or its devotees.

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Other Word Forms

• punkiness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of punky¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; punk ² + -y ¹

Origin of punky²

punk ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

At the time, she had only shared two singles from the upcoming project — “Skittles,” an indie-pop tribute to her late first love, and “Ysilandia” a punky guitar ballad featuring fellow Puerto Rican singer Robi.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

However a more reflective and melodic sound emerged, with 2002 release The Remote Part making Idlewild known as much for poetic lyricism as much as punky energy.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

"Signed a hundred NDAs but I still say something," she snarls with punky brio over an Oh Mickey drumbeat.

From BBC • Jul. 24, 2025

We were rough around the edges, punky, and I liked that.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2025

I got excited because there were some punky eighties-looking bands.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez