funky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈfəŋ-kē 

funkier; funkiest

1

US : having an offensive odor : foul

a funky smell

2

music : having the style and feeling of older African American music (such as blues or gospel) or of funk

especially : characterized by rhythmic elements similar to those of funk

a funky beat

3

informal

a

: odd or quaint in appearance or feeling

a funky little restaurant

b

: unconventionally stylish : hip

funky clothes

… lighting gives the … shops and streets a funky prettiness …

—Pauline Kael

funkily adverb

funkiness noun

funky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: being in a funk : panicky

Synonyms of funky

Adjective (1)

• bizarre
• funny
• strange
• weird
• odd
• curious
• peculiar
• erratic
• eccentric
• remarkable
• crazy
• unusual
• quirky

Examples of funky in a Sentence

Adjective (2)

a funky antique shop that reflects the owner's decidedly eccentric taste

a funky pair of old socks lying on the locker room floor

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Unlike the classic corporate look, this outfit lends itself to many summer and fall footwear options, from clean white pumps to funky red boots. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 July 2026

Get Proper Padding Selecting a funky design for your stair runner is the fun part, but the expert notes that there are practical considerations to keep in mind, too. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026

The Five Points convenience store sells funky chips and drinks, sure, but also coffee, burritos and a list of specialty sandwiches. — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 July 2026

Giants get a potential back-end reliever in Kmatz and an extremely funky, Tyler Rogers-ish lefty reliever in Shaffer. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

funk offensive odor

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for funky

• chunky
• hunky
• junkie
• monkey
• spunky

Kids Definition

funky

adjective

ˈfəŋ-kē

1

: having a bad smell

2

: down-to-earth in style and feeling

especially : having the style and feeling of funk

a funky beat

3

informal

a

: odd in appearance or feeling

b

: stylish in an untypical way : hip sense 1

funky clothes