Funk
/fʌŋk/
Definitions
4 meaningsA strong, offensive odor.
/fʌŋk/
A strong, unpleasant smell.
The old cheese emitted a pungent funk.
💡 Simply: Imagine you left your gym clothes in your bag after practice. That super strong, gross smell? That's funk! Like, 'Ugh, my bag has a total funk!'
👶 For kids: A bad smell.
How It's Used
"The gym socks had a terrible funk after being left in the locker."
A genre of music characterized by a strong, danceable beat and syncopated rhythms.
/fʌŋk/
A style of music.
The band played a lively set of funk music.
💡 Simply: Funk is a type of music that’s all about the groove! It’s got a strong beat that makes you want to dance. Think of it like a musical party!
👶 For kids: A kind of music that makes you want to dance!
How It's Used
"James Brown is considered the Godfather of Funk."
A state of low spirits; depression or fear.
/fʌŋk/
A state of depression or fear.
She's been in a funk since the bad news.
💡 Simply: Have you ever felt bummed out or down in the dumps? Being in a funk is like that – just a low-energy, kinda sad feeling. Like, 'I'm in a total funk today!'
👶 For kids: Feeling sad or not happy.
How It's Used
"He was in a funk after losing the competition."
To produce or emit a strong, unpleasant odor.
/fʌŋk/
To be affected by a strong odor.
The cheese started funking after sitting out too long.
💡 Simply: When something's funking, it's giving off a really strong and not-so-nice smell, like when something is rotting or isn't fresh.
👶 For kids: To smell bad.
How It's Used
"The whole room was funking after the garbage wasn't taken out."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
get in a funk
To become depressed or feel down.
"She got in a funk after the disappointing results."
funky town
Refers to a place or situation that is exciting, interesting, or unconventional.
"The night club was a funky town with a lot of good vibes."
Originating in the early 20th century African American vernacular, the exact origin is uncertain, but it's believed to relate to a strong, often unpleasant smell. It later evolved to describe a style of music and a general mood.
Early usage in the African American community emphasized the unpleasant smell. The musical meaning evolved later.
Memory tip
Think of something rotten and smelly.
Word Origin
"Originally, likely related to a strong, unpleasant smell."