funky

comparative funkier · comparative more funky · superlative funkiest · superlative most funky

1. USslangOffbeat, unconventional or eccentric.
2. USslangNot quite right; of questionable quality; not appropriate to the context.

   By the tone of her voice I could tell she had a funky attitude, but I kept my head under the covers and didn't say shit.

   2006, Noire [pseudonym], Thug-A-Licious: An Urban Erotic Tale, New York, N.Y.: One World, Ballantine Books, →ISBN, page 143

3. UKUSslangCool; great; excellent.

   What every teenage driver desires: a fab, funky car and freedom!

   2006, Sue Cook, Claire Crompton, Quick to Stitch Cross Stitch Cards, page 60

   2 more examples

   Eight-bit Arkanoid is a funky game — not as sexy as its 16-bit sister, but fun to spend time with. I'm hooked.

   1989, inCider magazine (volume 7)

   I love high heels, and these were totally funky! The coolest part: They actually let me take 'em home!

   2001, ELLEgirl magazine (Autumn 2001, page 127)

4. Having a foul or unpleasant smell.

   JAMES CARTER: You smell a little funky; I think you stepped in some rat shit.

   2001, Jeff Nathanson, Rush Hour 2, New Line Cinema

   3 more examples

   They could scarcely bear their knowledge, nor could they have borne the sight of Rufus, but they knew why he was in the streets tonight, why he rode subways all night long, why his stomach growled, why his hair was nappy, his armpits funky, his pants and shoes too thin, and why he did not dare to stop and take a leak.

   1962, James Baldwin, Another Country, New York, N. Y.: The Dial Press, published January 1963, page 4

   My husband thinks I'm bathing them more, but I'm not, they just lost that funky smell.

   2017, Bruce Fife, Coconut Therapy for Pets, page 47

   [said by Cat Kid] Someone who loved the funky stench of wet garbage... [...].

   2025, Dave Pilkey, Dog Man: Big Jim Believes, page 191

5. entertainmentRelating to or reminiscent of various genres of African American music, especially funk.
6. UKdatedslangRelating to, or characterized by, great fear, or funking.