Word
corky
US/ˈkɔɹki/
UK/kˈɔːki/
Definition
adj. strange and funny in a lively, likeable way. You use it for a person, idea, or humour that is a bit odd but charming.
adj. describing a person, behaviour, or idea as oddly playful and eccentric in an appealing way. Often applied to humour or personality rather than appearance.
Examples
“She has a corky sense of humour.”
“His corky comments during the meeting make everyone laugh and keep the mood light.”
“The film succeeds because of its corky heroine, whose odd habits and quick jokes turn an ordinary story into something warm and memorable.”
Examples
simple
“She has a corky sense of humour.”
contextual
“His corky comments during the meeting make everyone laugh and keep the mood light.”
complex
“The film succeeds because of its corky heroine, whose odd habits and quick jokes turn an ordinary story into something warm and memorable.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “corky” in context.
Verb
01. become corky
“The conversation became corky and everyone started laughing.”
verb + adj
02. look corky
“She looks corky in that bright hat, but it suits her.”
verb + adj
03. remain corky
“Even as a star, she remains corky and down to earth.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. delightfully corky
“Her new podcast host is delightfully corky and always makes me laugh.”
adv + adj
05. quite corky
“The film's hero is quite corky but you can't help liking him.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. corky character
“He plays a corky character who talks to his plants.”
adj + noun
07. corky humour
“I enjoy his corky humour; it's odd but never unkind.”
adj + noun
08. corky idea
“She had a corky idea to hold our meetings in the park.”
adj + noun
09. corky personality
“Everyone loves Mia because of her corky personality.”
adj + noun
10. a corky sense of humour
“My teacher has a corky sense of humour that keeps lessons fun.”
11. a delightfully corky character
“She plays a delightfully corky character in the new comedy series.”
12. add a corky twist
“The director added a corky twist to the classic love story.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often used to describe personality or humour.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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