Our AHD gives two definitions for the word funk. The first definition is for a state of cowerdly fright, panic, or a severe depression, or a cowardly person. The second definition is for an "earthy" musical style, syncopated, and with a bass line.
An etymology is given for the first definition, probably obsolete Flemish, fanck, but none is given for the second definition. The OED online suggests that the musical definition goes back to a meaning of funk that has to do with things being smelly, or earthy, or smoky.
Indeed, interesting things to think of during my visit home for Mardi Gras. New Orleans has been the home to some of the funkiest music around.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqZgAl7NowI
ReplyDelete--now THIS is funky.