funkify
/ˈfʌŋkɪfaɪ/
verb
Origin
English
funk — a style of dance music or a state of being unconventional
Overview
Meaning Now
- To make something funky, typically in the context of music or a stylistic aesthetic.
- To infuse with a sense of the 'funk' genre or a relaxed, rhythmic, or unconventional vibe.
Language path
English
Earliest form
funkify
Earliest period
late 20th century
Journey
The term emerged as the funk music genre gained mainstream popularity. The suffix '-ify' was applied to music terms in the 20th century to suggest active transformation or the injection of a specific style into a composition.
Evolution
- 17th century
funk
“a bad smell or panic”
Etymological ancestor, originally from Flemish 'fonck'.
- 1950s
funk
“a syncopated, rhythmic style of African American music”
Semantic narrowing and evolution in jazz and soul music.
- 1970s
funkify
“to add funk characteristics”
Incorporated suffix '-ify' (from Latin '-ificare').
Connections
Word parts
funk
root
the genre of funk or the state of being 'funky'
ify
suffix
to make or cause to become
Explore next
Related to funkify
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.