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
Synonyms for funk
Idioms Using funk
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.
Example
He did the funky chicken at the party and everyone laughed.
Phrases with funk
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.
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
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.