blue funk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowInformal, somewhat dated, figurative
Quick answer
What does “blue funk” mean?
A state of extreme depression, fear, or nervousness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of extreme depression, fear, or nervousness.
An intense state of melancholic anxiety or a panic-stricken, low-spirited mood. It suggests a combination of fear and dejection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
While understood in both varieties, it is somewhat more established in British English. In American English, the simpler 'funk' or 'in a funk' is more common.
Connotations
UK: Often carries a touch of quaintness or theatricality. US: May sound deliberately British or old-fashioned, used for rhetorical effect.
Frequency
Higher relative frequency in UK English, though not a high-frequency phrase overall in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “blue funk” in a Sentence
be in a blue funkget into a blue funksend someone into a blue funkshake off a blue funkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blue funk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He funked the exam completely.
American English
- (Rare as verb in US) She funked telling him the bad news.
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial form.)
American English
- (No adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. Use 'in a blue funk'.)
American English
- (Not standard. Use 'in a blue funk'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in narrative contexts: 'The market uncertainty sent the CEO into a blue funk.'
Academic
Very rare, considered too informal and figurative.
Everyday
Most likely context for expressive or humorous use: 'He's been in a blue funk since his team lost.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blue funk”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blue funk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blue funk”
- Using it as an adjective (*He felt very blue funk). It's a noun phrase: 'He was in a blue funk.' Confusing it with 'funky' music.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Blue' intensifies the mood, making it a stronger expression of melancholic fear or depression.
No, it's not an adjective. The correct structure is 'I'm in a blue funk' or 'I've got a blue funk'.
No, it is a complete coincidence. The musical 'funk' and 'funky' come from a different etymological source related to strong smell and earthiness.
It's not very common and can sound somewhat old-fashioned or literary. Simpler terms like 'depressed' or 'in a bad mood' are more frequent.
A state of extreme depression, fear, or nervousness.
Blue funk is usually informal, somewhat dated, figurative in register.
Blue funk: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈfʌŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈfʌŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “down in the dumps”
- “feeling blue”
- “in the doldrums”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sad, blue cartoon character (like a blue rain cloud) nervously shaking ('funk' sounds like 'funk' - fear) in the corner.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL STATE IS A CONTAINER (in a funk). SADNESS/MELANCHOLY IS BLUE (blue mood).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'blue funk'?