# funky

/ˈfəŋki/ (US) · /fˈʌŋki/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/funky
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. music style

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The band played a funky bass line that got everyone on the dance floor.
- The producer added a funky drum loop to the track to give it more energy and a distinct seventies feel.

### 2. cool and unusual

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: fashionable in an unconventional, eccentric, or offbeat manner.

- She wore a funky pair of glasses with bright purple frames.
- The boutique is famous for its funky interior design, featuring neon lights and vintage furniture from various decades.

### 3. smelling bad

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

having a strong and unpleasant smell.

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

- The gym bag started to smell a bit funky after he left it in the car.
- The milk in the fridge had a funky scent, so I decided it was safer to throw it away.

### 4. strange or wrong

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

not working correctly or feeling a bit strange.

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

- My computer is acting funky today and keeps restarting for no reason.
- The engine started making a funky noise during the long drive, which made me worry about the transmission.

## Examples

- The band played a funky song that got everyone dancing.
- She decorated her apartment with funky vintage furniture and bright neon posters.
- The bassist's funky improvisation provided a rhythmic foundation that allowed the rest of the ensemble to explore more experimental melodies.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.