Word
freaky
US/ˈfɹiki/
UK/fɹˈiːki/
Definitions
01strange or bizarre
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · Slang
adj. very strange, unusual, or unexpected in a way that surprises you.
adj. denoting something highly unusual, bizarre, or eccentric. Often used to describe coincidences or unexpected events.
“It was really freaky that we both wore the exact same outfit today.”
“The resemblance between the two strangers was so freaky that several people in the crowd stopped to stare.”
02scary or unsettling
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · Slang
adj. frightening or creepy in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
adj. evoking a sense of unease, fear, or the uncanny.
“I heard a freaky noise coming from the basement late last night.”
“The abandoned asylum had a freaky atmosphere that made the urban explorers regret their decision to enter.”
Antonyms
03sexually adventurous
C1 · Advanced Informal · Slang
adj. having or showing sexual interests that are unusual or very bold.
adj. referring to sexual behavior that is considered unconventional, adventurous, or uninhibited.
“He has a reputation for being a bit freaky in the bedroom.”
“The song's lyrics explore a freaky side of the artist that fans hadn't seen in her earlier, more conservative work.”
Usage
Often used predicatively (after a verb like 'to be' or 'to get').
Teaching tip
In modern internet culture, this sense is very common; teachers should warn students that using it to describe a person can imply sexual boldness.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From freak + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/freaky