ENGLISH
REFERENCE

funky

adj.
US //ˈfəŋki// UK //fˈʌŋki// funky
  1. 1 music style (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    having a strong, rhythmic beat that makes you want to dance.

    relating to or reminiscent of funk music, characterized by a strong rhythmic groove and prominent bass lines.

    Example

    The band played a funky bass line that got everyone on the dance floor.

    Example

    The producer added a funky drum loop to the track to give it more energy and a distinct seventies feel.
  2. 2 cool and unusual (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    stylish in a way that is unusual, colorful, or creative.

    fashionable in an unconventional, eccentric, or offbeat manner.

    Example

    She wore a funky pair of glasses with bright purple frames.

    Example

    The boutique is famous for its funky interior design, featuring neon lights and vintage furniture from various decades.
  3. 3 smelling bad (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

    having a strong and unpleasant smell.

    having a foul, stale, or offensive odour, often associated with sweat or decay.

    Example

    The gym bag started to smell a bit funky after he left it in the car.

    Example

    The milk in the fridge had a funky scent, so I decided it was safer to throw it away.
  4. 4 strange or wrong (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal American English

    not working correctly or feeling a bit strange.

    functioning improperly or appearing suspicious; not quite right in quality or state.

    Example

    My computer is acting funky today and keeps restarting for no reason.

    Example

    The engine started making a funky noise during the long drive, which made me worry about the transmission.
Origin

From funk + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026