funk

[fʌŋk]

funk Definition

  • 1a state of fear or depression
  • 2a style of popular dance music of US origin, characterized by a heavy bassline and fast, complex rhythms

Using funk: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "funk" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I'm in a funk today, I don't feel like doing anything.

  • Example

    The team was in a funk after losing three games in a row.

  • Example

    She fell into a deep funk after her breakup.

funk Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using funk

  • feeling very sad, depressed, or anxious

    Example

    She's been in a blue funk ever since she lost her job.

  • funks and wagnalls

    a humorous way of referring to a dictionary

    Example

    I had to look up the word in my funks and wagnalls.

  • a dance move that involves flapping one's arms and legs while shaking one's hips

    Example

    He did the funky chicken at the party and everyone laughed.

Phrases with funk

  • to become unable to perform due to nervousness or anxiety

    Example

    He was so nervous that he completely funked out during his presentation.

  • funk up

    to make something more exciting or interesting

    Example

    The DJ decided to funk up the party with some old-school hits.

  • to leave or go away, often in a rude or abrupt manner

    Example

    I wish he would just funk off and leave us alone.

Origins of funk

originally meant 'tobacco smoke' in the 17th century, then 'bad smell' in the 18th century, and finally 'depression' in the 19th century

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Summary: funk in Brief

The term 'funk' [fʌŋk] refers to a state of fear or depression, as in 'I'm in a funk today, I don't feel like doing anything.' It also denotes a style of popular dance music characterized by a heavy bassline and fast, complex rhythms. 'Funk' extends into phrases like 'funk out,' meaning to become unable to perform due to nervousness or anxiety, and idioms like 'in a blue funk,' denoting feeling very sad, depressed, or anxious.

How do native speakers use this expression?