funk Definition

funk¹
noun

1. colloq
Jazz or rock music with a strong rhythm and repeating bass pattern, with a down-to-earth bluesy feel.
2. A mix of the specified types of music, containing elements from both traditions.

Example: disco-funk
Example: jazz-funk
Example: techno-funk

Etymology: 1950s in sense 1 as a back-formation from funky; 17c in obsolete sense (except US dialect) of ‘a strong, unpleasant smell': from French dialect funquer to give off smoke.

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funk²
noun

colloq:
1a. A state of fear or panic;

Form: blue funk (also)
1b. Shrinking back or shirking because of a loss of courage.
2. A coward.

verb

funked, funking
1. To avoid doing something from panic; to balk at something or shirk from fear.

Etymology: 18c: possibly from Flemish fonck.