funk

Meaning

Noun

1. Foul or unpleasant smell, especially body odor.
2. 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.

Verb

1. To emit an offensive smell; to stink.
2. To envelop with an offensive smell or smoke.
3. To perform funk music.
4. (slang) Fuck (the taboo swear word)

Verb

1. To shrink from, or avoid something because of fear.
2. To frighten; to cause to flinch.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/fʌŋk/

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.