Word
funk
US/ˈfəŋk/
UK/fˈʌŋk/
Definitions
01music style
n. a type of dance music with a strong beat and a prominent bass guitar.
n. a genre of popular music originating in the 1960s, characterized by syncopated rhythms and a strong emphasis on the bass line.
“The band played some classic funk that got everyone on the dance floor.”
“The bassist's mastery of funk rhythms provided the backbone for the entire ensemble's improvisational performance.”
02a bad mood
n. a state of feeling sad, bored, or without energy for a period of time.
n. a state of depression, gloom, or mental stagnation.
“I've been in a bit of a funk lately and haven't felt like going out.”
“It took several weeks of travel and new experiences for him to finally shake off the creative funk that had stalled his writing.”
Informal
Synonyms
03a bad smell
n. a strong and unpleasant smell, often from sweat or a dirty room.
n. a strong, offensive odour, typically referring to body odour or stagnant air.
“The locker room had a heavy funk of old sweat and damp towels.”
“After the week-long camping trip, a noticeable funk had permeated all of their gear and clothing.”
Informal · Slang
04fear or panic
n. a state of great fear or nervousness that makes you act like a coward.
n. a state of intense fear or cowardly panic.
“He got into a real funk when he realised he had to give the speech.”
“The sudden market crash sent many inexperienced investors into a blind funk, leading to irrational selling.”
British English · Informal
Synonyms
05to avoid through fear
v. to avoid doing something because you are afraid.
v. to shrink from or evade a task or duty due to fear or lack of courage.
“He was supposed to go skydiving, but he funked it at the last minute.”
“Despite his earlier bravado, he funked the challenge when he saw the height of the climbing wall.”
British English · Informal
Real-World Examples
“They also cut new songs such as Don’t Look Back, a funk track heard during a party scene, and co-wrote the script – what there was of it.” “We could have an old blues guitarist with a funk drumbeat and a jazz trumpet,” he says.” Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/funk