Definition of FUNK

funk

Meanings

Plural: funks

Noun

  • a state of nervous depression
    • "he was in a funk"
  • United States biochemist (born in Poland) who showed that several diseases were caused by dietary deficiencies and who coined the term `vitamin' for the chemicals involved (1884-1967)
  • an earthy type of jazz combining it with blues and soul; has a heavy bass line that accentuates the first beat in the bar
  • Foul or unpleasant smell, especially body odor.
  • A style of music derived from 1960s soul music, with elements of rock and other styles, characterized by a prominent bass guitar, dance-friendly sound, a strong emphasis on the downbeat, and much syncopation.
  • Touchwood, punk, tinder.
  • Mental depression.
  • A state of fear or panic, especially cowardly.
  • One who fears or panics; a coward.

Verb

  • draw back, as with fear or pain
  • To emit an offensive smell; to stink.
  • To envelop with an offensive smell or smoke.
  • To perform funk music.
  • Fuck (the taboo swear word)
  • To shrink from, or avoid something because of fear.
  • To frighten; to cause to flinch.

Origin / Etymology

1620, from French dialectal (Norman) funquer, funquier (“to smoke, reek”), from Old Northern French fungier (“to smoke”), from Vulgar Latin fūmicāre, alteration of Latin fūmigāre (“to smoke, fumigate”). Related to French dialect funkière (“smoke”). More at fumigate.

Synonyms

blue funk, Casimir Funk, cringe, eff, f-bomb, flinch, quail, recoil, shrink, squinch, wince

Scrabble Score: 11

funk is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
funk is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
funk is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 13

funk is a valid Words With Friends word