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

Walking into Pinky’s Westside Grill feels like stepping into a funky roadside eatery that never takes itself too seriously. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

The grid menu guides imbibers to their next taste of its classic and aromatic wines, noting characteristics ranging from rich to funky and from herbal to fruity. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Negan is being very emo and doesn’t want to help and would rather hang out with Jimmi Simpson in a funky bar that he’s created. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

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

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