Definition

Having a soft or decayed quality, often used to describe something that is rotting or resembles the punk style.

Example

The old wood was punky and crumbled easily when touched.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you seen that new band? Their style is really punky.

Yeah, I caught a glimpse of their music video!

I love how they mix classic rock with such a punky vibe.

Totally! It gives them a unique sound that's hard to ignore.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A small, often mischievous or troublesome person, sometimes used to refer to a child or young person.

Example

The punky kid played pranks on his friends all afternoon.

Conversation

Do you remember that old song about the punky girl?

Yeah! It had such a catchy beat.

I loved how it captured that fun, carefree vibe of being punky.

Root Explanation

Punky → The word originates from the 17th-century English term 'punk', which referred to a type of tinder or kindling used for starting fires, derived from the earlier term 'punke' (meaning to smolder). The suffix '-y' indicates a characteristic or quality. Thus, 'punky' describes something that has the quality of being like punk, often referring to something that is damp or decayed, resembling the characteristics of punk as tinder.

Memory Tip

Think of 'punk' as something that smolders or is decayed, and remember that 'punky' describes something that has that damp, decayed quality.

Visually Confused Words