IPA pronunciation: /fʌŋ ki/ or fung-key
Adjective First documented use was in 1784 and meant "something that was old or smelled musty." It was first used to describe types of cheese but eventually started being used with the meaning of "repulsive," as well. It was around the 1900s that the term became a slang term used by jazz artists and listeners which holds the meaning of "an earthy or strong tone. Something that is deeply felt." This slang is the most common usage of this word today, even becoming a genre of music called Funk.
Though, around that time, many white people also used the term as a derogatory slang towards blacks by giving it the meaning of "the nasty body odor of a black person." This slang definition fell out of use.
Around the 1960s this word gained the meaning of "fine, stylish, or excellent," and could (and still can) be used for anything you like.
Adjective First documented use was in 1784 and meant "something that was old or smelled musty." It was first used to describe types of cheese but eventually started being used with the meaning of "repulsive," as well. It was around the 1900s that the term became a slang term used by jazz artists and listeners which holds the meaning of "an earthy or strong tone. Something that is deeply felt." This slang is the most common usage of this word today, even becoming a genre of music called Funk.
Though, around that time, many white people also used the term as a derogatory slang towards blacks by giving it the meaning of "the nasty body odor of a black person." This slang definition fell out of use.
Around the 1960s this word gained the meaning of "fine, stylish, or excellent," and could (and still can) be used for anything you like.
Adjective
¹ "This cheese is proper funky. I'll take three."
² "This house smells kinda funky... it's gross."
First Slang "That jazz solo was straight funky, my guy. It really spoke to me."
Modern slang "Now that painting is straight-up funky. I'd love to cop me one."
¹ "This cheese is proper funky. I'll take three."
² "This house smells kinda funky... it's gross."
First Slang "That jazz solo was straight funky, my guy. It really spoke to me."
Modern slang "Now that painting is straight-up funky. I'd love to cop me one."
by Red Will B May 14, 2022
Get the Funky mug.by Eliot Minor January 9, 2008
Get the funky mug.Related Words
A word that office losers and yuppies use to describe something that's not normal in thier day to day repetative world.
"There's something funky with this order I'm working on here."
"I am on my way over to a meeting, but I can't seem to find it. Someone gave me some funky directions."
"This new massaging chair I got at Sharper Image is pretty funky!"
"I am on my way over to a meeting, but I can't seem to find it. Someone gave me some funky directions."
"This new massaging chair I got at Sharper Image is pretty funky!"
by Jeremy April 13, 2005
Get the funky mug.by Makemoni September 5, 2019
Get the Funky mug.Apparently, 'Funky' derives from the word used by colonists to describe the smell of African slaves after sexual intercourse.
by Milford R. Deeling June 13, 2005
Get the Funky mug.n. (made famous in late 90s by former UK heart-throb and boybander, Traxx Neutron) - One Capable of Funk'ng
by v powers March 17, 2009
Get the Funky mug.An expression used by people who regard themselves as higly gifted wen it comes to making/discussing/trashing music, but who basically are talking a lot of crap.
These people assume they understand the concept of funkyness but don' t understand the fact that funkyness is just some kind of bullshit term because no one really knows the meaning of the word.
These people assume they understand the concept of funkyness but don' t understand the fact that funkyness is just some kind of bullshit term because no one really knows the meaning of the word.
I made this funky beat
That beat is allright, but it lacks in the funk department
What are you talking about?! You're just not feeling the funk.
That beat is allright, but it lacks in the funk department
What are you talking about?! You're just not feeling the funk.
by Vogly January 15, 2006
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