funk
low, depressed, unmotivated mood
A short time when you feel sad and do not want to do anything.
[someone] is in a funk
- She’s been in a funk all week since the project was canceled.
- After the breakup he fell into a real funk and stopped going out.
- A long walk in the sun helped him get out of his funk.
- The team was in a collective funk after losing three games in a row.
- He’s trying to shake off this creative funk and start writing again.
- I was in a funk after I lost my job.
- He is in a funk and does not want to see his friends.
- Music helps me get out of a funk.
- She fell into a funk when she failed the test.
- I do exercise when I am in a funk.
genre of rhythmic dance music
A type of modern music with a strong beat and heavy bass that is easy to dance to.
[someone] plays funk; [something] is funk
- The DJ mixed old-school funk with modern hip-hop.
- He plays bass in a local funk band.
- This album is pure funk from start to finish.
- Funk and disco dominated the dance floors in the 1970s.
- You can really hear the funk influence in that guitar riff.
- I like to dance to funk music.
- Her brother listens to a lot of funk.
- They formed a funk band at school.
- The DJ played some classic funk songs.
- This song has a strong funk sound.
strong unpleasant stale or sweaty smell
A strong bad smell, often from sweat or an old, closed room.
[something] has a funk; the funk of [something]
- There was a sweaty funk in the locker room after the game.
- Open a window and let this funk out of here.
- The old carpets held a musty funk that never really went away.
- After the party, the house had a nasty funk of smoke and beer.
- Vinegar can help remove the funk from gym clothes.
- The gym has a strong funk after 6 p.m.
- Open the door to clear the funk in this room.
- My shoes have a bad funk after running.
- We washed the towels to get rid of the funk.
- There is a sweaty funk in the small car.
sudden fear or panic
A strong feeling of fear or panic that can make you want to run away from something.
[someone] is in a funk; [someone] gets into a funk about [something]
- She went into a blue funk when she realized her passport was missing.
- The news threw the whole office into a sudden funk.
- He gets into a real funk about flying and avoids planes whenever he can.
- The exam results put him in a temporary funk of anxiety.
- The rumor sent the market into a brief funk before prices recovered.
- She was in a blue funk before the big test.
- He got into a funk when he lost his wallet.
- The bad news threw them into a funk.
- I go into a funk every time I have to speak in public.
- The storm put the children in a little funk.
avoid something because of fear
To not do something because you are scared or lose your courage.
[someone] funks [something]; [someone] funks doing [something]
- He was so nervous that he completely funked the interview.
- She funked the exam and decided not to show up.
- I nearly funked it, but in the end I gave the speech.
- They funked making a decision and postponed the meeting again.
- Don’t funk it now—you’ve worked too hard to back out.
- He funked the test and did not go.
- She almost funked the speech but did it in the end.
- I do not want to funk this interview.
- They funked making a hard choice.
- He was scared and funked the big game.
- Base: funk
- Plural: funks
- Base: funk
- 3rd Person Singular: funks
- Present Participle: funking
- Past: funked
funk music
1music in the funk style
Music that has the style of funk, with a strong beat and heavy bass.
- He loves old-school funk music from the 1970s.
- Funk music is great for dancing.
- The band plays a mix of funk music and jazz.
funk out
1lose courage and back out
To decide not to do something because you are afraid or nervous.
- He was going to sing on stage but funked out at the last minute.
- Don’t funk out now—you’ve already come this far.
- She almost funked out of the presentation but her friend encouraged her.
funk up
1make something livelier or cooler
To make something look or sound more modern, bold, or exciting.
- They funked up the old logo with brighter colors.
- The producer funked up the track with a heavier bass line.
- You can funk up a simple outfit with some colorful shoes.
get out of a funk
1stop feeling low and unmotivated
To stop feeling sad and low and return to your normal mood.
- A weekend away helped her get out of her funk.
- Exercise is one of the best ways to get out of a funk.
- He finally got out of his funk after he started a new hobby.
in a blue funk
1in a state of fear or deep upset
Very worried, afraid, or very sad and upset.
- She was in a blue funk about her exam results.
- He goes into a blue funk every time he has to fly.
- The team was in a blue funk after hearing the bad news.
in a funk
1feeling sad and unmotivated
Feeling sad and low for a short time, and not wanting to do much.
- She’s been in a funk ever since she lost her job.
- I get in a funk every winter when the days are so short.
- Talking with friends helps me when I’m in a funk.