funky
fuhng-kee
Funky (adj) means Unconventional, quirky, or stylishly offbeat. Example: “She wore a funky pair of mismatched earrings to the party.”
adj
1
Unconventional, quirky, or stylishly offbeat.
"She wore a funky pair of mismatched earrings to the party."
"The café had a funky decor with mismatched furniture and neon signs."
2
Having an unpleasant or strong smell.
"Something in the fridge was starting to smell funky."
3
Relating to or reminiscent of funk music.
"The bassline gave the track a funky groove."
How to use funky
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCool and quirky in style, or (in a different use) simply smelling bad — the meaning depends heavily on context.
Common pairings
funky style
funky smell
funky beat
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like funky.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- funkier, more funky
- Superlative
- funkiest, most funky
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wore a _____ pair of mismatched earrings to the party.
Etymology
From "funk" plus the adjective suffix "-y."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for funky
See all rhymes for funky →Frequently asked questions
What does “funky” mean?
The word “funky” means unconventional, quirky, or stylishly offbeat. In plain terms, cool and quirky in style, or (in a different use) simply smelling bad — the meaning depends heavily on context.
How do you pronounce “funky”?
“Funky” is pronounced fuhng-kee (/fʌŋki/ in IPA).
How do you use “funky” in a sentence?
Here is “funky” used in a sentence: “She wore a funky pair of mismatched earrings to the party.”
What part of speech is “funky”?
“Funky” is an adjective.
Is “funky” a common word?
“Funky” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “funky” have?
“Funky” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unconventional, quirky, or stylishly offbeat.
What is the difference between funky and quirky?
Funky and quirky both describe something unconventional or stylishly offbeat, but funky often carries a stronger sense of boldness or coolness, especially in style or music. Quirky leans more toward small, charming oddities of character or design.
Can funky describe a smell as well as a style?
Yes, funky can also describe an unpleasant or strong smell, which is a very different sense from its meaning of stylish or unconventional. Context, such as talking about clothes versus old shoes, usually makes clear which meaning applies.
What does funky mean in relation to music?
When used to describe music, funky means relating to or reminiscent of funk music, a genre known for its rhythmic bass lines and groove. This sense is distinct from the word's other meanings involving style or smell.
