Funny vs. Funky: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
"Funny" generally refers to something amusing, or causing laughter, while "funky" primarily describes a bold or unconventional style, or a strong, unpleasant odor. The words share informal tones but diverge in meaning and context.
Key Differences
"Funny" is an adjective that typically describes something that is able to provide amusement and provoke laughter. It's a term widely used to illustrate situations, actions, or statements that are humorous or comical. "Funny" can denote a lighter, joyful perspective and is often applied to various forms of entertainment like jokes, movies, or comedic performances that are designed to make people laugh. The use of "funny" serves to highlight the amusing aspect of an element, making it a universal descriptor for anything laugh-provoking or entertaining.
"Funky," on the other hand, has a dual nature in its meanings. It can refer to a bold, unconventional style, often related to music, fashion, or design. In this context, "funky" is indicative of an avant-garde, unique approach that stands out due to its distinctive flair. However, "funky" can also describe a strong, unpleasant odor, showcasing the versatility of its application. The term can embrace elements that are unconventional and offbeat, either visually, auditorily, or olfactorily, making it a multifaceted adjective.
While "funny" and "funky" both hold places in informal language, they operate in different spheres. "Funny" remains tethered to the realm of humor and amusement, providing a joyful experience to those who encounter it. It is widely accepted and understood to pertain to humor, irrespective of cultural or linguistic backgrounds, solidifying its status as a universal descriptor for humorous content.
"Funky," conversely, traverses between the innovative, unconventional aesthetic and the presence of undesirable odors. Its application is versatile, allowing it to describe eclectic styles in music and fashion, or pungent smells in a less formal tone. The uniqueness of "funky" is entrenched in its dual meanings, making it a dynamic word that can embrace both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context it is placed in.
In summary, "funny" and "funky" are informal descriptors with different areas of application. "Funny" enriches the language with its joyful, humorous essence, while "funky" explores the boundaries of style and odor, providing a varied perspective on unconventionality and distinctiveness.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Causing laughter or amusement.
Having a bold or unconventional style or a strong, unpleasant odor.
Usage
Informal and widespread.
Informal and versatile.
Context
Humor and entertainment.
Music, fashion, design, and description of odor.
Tone
Light-hearted and amusing.
Bold, avant-garde, or unpleasant.
Connotations
Positive, related to amusement.
Can be positive (style) or negative (odor), depending on context.
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Funny and Funky Definitions
Funny
Strange or unusual, causing suspicion.
There was a funny smell coming from the kitchen.
Funky
Unconventional and eccentric; quirky.
The artist had a funky way of expressing himself.
Funny
Difficult to explain or understand; peculiar.
He had a funny feeling that he was being watched.
Funky
Interesting and unconventional; cool.
The café had a funky vibe and eclectic décor.
Funny
Entertaining or enjoyable.
We had a funny day at the amusement park.
Funky
Of or pertaining to a genre of jazz, soul, or dance music characterized by a strong rhythm.
The band played funky tunes all night.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement
A funny cartoon.
Funky
Frightened; panicky.
Funny
Making or given to making amusing jokes or witticisms
A colleague who is very funny.
Funky
Having a moldy or musty smell
Funky cheese.
Funky cellars.
Funny
Appropriate as the subject of a joke; deserving of a joke. Used in negative sentences to express disapproval or to emphasize the seriousness of something
There is nothing funny about getting the flu.
Funky
Having a strong, unpleasant odor, especially the odor of the unwashed human body
A funky locker room.
Funny
Difficult to account for; unusual or odd
I had a funny feeling that she would call.
Funky
Having a style reminiscent of simple blues; bluesy.
Funny
Suspiciously odd
It's funny how I seem to lose something every time he comes around.
Funky
Of or relating to funk music.
Funny
Counterfeit or fraudulent
Tried to pass off funny money as legitimate.
Funky
Hearty and simple
"At the opposite end of Dallas's culinary spectrum is funky regional fare" (Jacqueline Friedrich).
Funny
(Informal) Somewhat ill, painful, or abnormal
I felt funny after eating those clams. "a mole on his arm that has started to go funny" (Ann Cummins).
Funky
Having an unsophisticated or old-fashioned charm; quaint or unpretentious
A funky beach town.
Funny
Offensively forward or disrespectful
She told him off after he started to get funny.
Funky
Unconventional or eccentric; offbeat or odd
"a bizarre, funky [hotel] dressed up as a ship, with mock portholes and mirrored ceilings over the beds" (Ann Louise Bardach).
Funny
Contrary to one's demands or expectations
Don't let the prisoners do anything funny.
Funky
Offbeat, unconventional or eccentric.
Funny
A joke; a witticism
"He laughed because he did not know I was not making a funny" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Funky
Not quite right; of questionable quality; not appropriate to the context.
Funny
Comic strips.
Funky
Cool; great; excellent.
Funny
The section of a newspaper containing comic strips.
Funky
Having a foul or unpleasant smell.
Funny
Amusing; humorous; comical.
When I went to the circus, I only found the clowns funny.
Funky
(music) Relating to or reminiscent of various genres of African American music, especially funk.
Funny
Strange or unusual, often implying unpleasant.
The milk smelt funny so I poured it away.
I've got a funny feeling that this isn't going to work.
Funky
Relating to, or characterized by, great fear, or funking.
Funny
Showing unexpected resentment.
Funky
Pertaining to, or characterized by, great fear, or funking; having great fear.
Funny
Homosexual; gay
Funky
Having an earthy, unsophisticated style or feeling;
Funny
(informal) A joke.
Funky
Offensively malodorous;
A putrid smell
Funny
(informal) A comic strip.
Funky
(of jazz) having the soulful feeling of early blues
Funny
(rowing) A rowboat with both ends pointed and out of the water.
Funky
In a state of cowardly fright
Funny
(British) A narrow clinker-built boat for sculling.
Funky
Having a distinctive, unconventional style.
She wore funky glasses with colorful frames.
Funny
(nonstandard) In an unusual manner; strangely.
Funky
Emitting a strong, offensive odor.
The old cheese had a funky smell.
Funny
In a manner seen as being typical of a homosexual, or indicating homosexuality
Funny
Droll; comical; amusing; laughable; inciting laughter.
Funny
A clinkerbuit, narrow boat for sculling.
Funny
Arousing or provoking laughter;
An amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
An amusing fellow
A comic hat
A comical look of surprise
Funny stories that made everybody laugh
A very funny writer
It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
A mirthful experience
Risible courtroom antics
Funny
Beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
A curious hybrid accent
Her speech has a funny twang
They have some funny ideas about war
Had an odd name
The peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
Something definitely queer about this town
What a rum fellow
Singular behavior
Funny
Not as expected;
There was something fishy about the accident
Up to some funny business
Some definitely queer goings-on
A shady deal
Her motives were suspect
Suspicious behavior
Funny
Experiencing odd bodily sensations;
Told the doctor about the funny sensations in her chest
Funny
In a strange manner;
A queerly inscribed sheet of paper
He acted kind of funny
Funny
In a comical manner;
She acted comically
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement.
The comedian was extremely funny and had everyone in stitches.
Funny
Playful or teasing; amusing.
Stop making funny faces at your sister!
FAQs
Can funky refer to music style?
Yes, it often describes a genre characterized by a strong, rhythmic vibe.
Can funny describe a feeling?
Yes, it can describe a peculiar or suspicious feeling.
Does funny always mean amusing?
Primarily, but it can also describe something strange or unusual.
Does funky always imply something positive?
No, it can also describe a strong, unpleasant odor.
Can funky relate to fashion?
Absolutely, it often describes bold, unconventional style.
Is funny used in formal writing?
It's more common in informal contexts but can appear in formal writing to convey humor.
Can funky describe personality?
Yes, it can describe someone with an unconventional, quirky personality.
Can the term funky be used to describe art?
Yes, it can describe art that is unconventional and has a distinctive style.
Is funky a modern term?
It gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in music and fashion contexts.
Can funny and funky be used interchangeably?
No, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Can something be unintentionally funny?
Yes, things can be funny without the intention to amuse.
Can something be funny without causing laughter?
Yes, it can also denote strangeness or peculiarity.
Can funky have a neutral connotation?
It usually has either a positive (style) or negative (odor) connotation, depending on the context.
Is funny subjective?
Absolutely, what one person finds funny, another might not.
Is there a synonym for funny that is more formal?
"Amusing" or "humorous" can be more formal synonyms.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
