Browse all

funk up

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To make something more exciting, rhythmic, and cool by giving it a funky style.

Literal meaning: To inject upward (up) the quality of 'funk' into something — suggesting an elevation in energy and style.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To add a funky, rhythmic, and soulful quality to a piece of music.

"The producer brought in a bass guitarist to really funk up the track before the album release."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To make something more exciting, stylish, or interesting by adding flair or personality.

"She funked up her outfit with a brightly coloured jacket and bold accessories."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Comes from 'funk', the music genre. Most commonly used in the context of music production (adding a funk-inspired feel), interior design, fashion, or creative work. Positive in tone. More common in American English and in music/creative industry contexts.

Commonly used with

track beat outfit room arrangement the whole vibe

Forms

Base
funk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
funks up
he/she/it
Past simple
funked up
yesterday
Past participle
funked up
have + pp
-ing form
funking up
continuous

Understand "funk up" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

jazz up spice up liven up groove up energise add flair to

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "funk up" on Looplines