funny
Very High (A1-C2)Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
Causing laughter or amusement; humorous.
Can also mean strange, odd, or suspicious.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is humorous. The secondary meaning of 'strange' is common in spoken English and phrases like 'That's funny...' can introduce suspicion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The secondary meaning of 'strange' is slightly more prevalent in British English.
Connotations
In both, 'funny' is less formal than 'humorous'. Can be mildly dismissive (e.g., 'a funny little man').
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It is funny that...It is funny to VIt is funny how...find something funnythink something is funnyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “funny business (suspicious activity)”
- “strike someone as funny”
- “the funny farm (mental hospital, slang)”
- “ha ha funny (sarcastic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; 'funny money' (counterfeit), 'funny business' (unethical acts). Avoid describing presentations as 'funny'.
Academic
Avoid in formal writing. Used in literary analysis (e.g., 'the funny subplot').
Everyday
Extremely common for humor and to describe oddness.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He tried to funny up his presentation with a few memes.
- Don't funny me, I'm being serious.
American English
- She funnied her way out of an awkward situation.
- The script needs to be funnied up a bit.
adverb
British English
- He smiled funny, like he knew a secret.
- The engine is running funny.
American English
- She acts funny when she's nervous.
- It came out funny in the translation.
adjective
British English
- That's a really funny show on the telly.
- I've got a funny feeling about this deal.
- My stomach feels a bit funny.
American English
- He told a funny story at the party.
- There's something funny going on next door.
- The milk smells funny.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cartoon is very funny.
- My friend told me a funny joke.
- Why are you looking at me funny?
- I didn't find his comment funny at all.
- There's a funny smell in the kitchen.
- It's funny how we met again after so many years.
- The play strikes a delicate balance between funny and tragic.
- He gave a funny, self-deprecating speech.
- The whole situation struck me as rather funny.
- Her wit was sharp and deliciously funny.
- The report's conclusions were based on some funny accounting.
- He has a funny habit of clearing his throat before lying.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FUN NY clown – both funny (humorous) and funny-looking (strange).
Conceptual Metaphor
AMUSEMENT IS A PHYSICAL REACTION (e.g., 'had me in stitches').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'смешной' for all contexts of 'strange'. 'Funny' for 'strange' is conversational. For physical 'strange feeling', use 'odd' or 'weird'. Do not use 'funny' to mean 'interesting' (as in 'забавный факт').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'funny' in formal writing where 'humorous' is better. Confusing 'I feel funny' (unwell/odd) with 'I feel happy'. Overusing for mild amusement.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'funny' mean 'strange or suspicious'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Funny' is the most general and common. 'Humorous' is more formal. 'Hilarious' means extremely funny, causing loud laughter.
Yes, when it means 'strange, odd, or suspicious' as in 'a funny smell' or 'funny business', it can have a negative or concerned connotation.
Yes, but it usually means 'I feel slightly unwell, odd, or light-headed', not 'I feel amused'. Context is key.
Use clearer words like 'humorous', 'amusing' for comedy, and 'odd', 'weird', 'suspicious' for strangeness. Pay attention to collocations (e.g., 'funny business' is always suspicious).
Collections
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Emotions and Feelings
A2 · 33 words · Words to describe how you feel.