Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FUNK, n. Also funkis (Ork. 1929 Marw.), f(y)ownk (Cai.). Sc. usages. [I.Sc. f(j)ʌŋk, Cai. f(j)ʌunk]
1. Thick smoke (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw.).Ork. c.1893 W. R. Mackintosh Peat-fires 109:
Jist wait a wee till I get it into the byre to bed the kye, and this funk clears a bit.
2. A strong, usu. unpleasant, smell (Sh.12, Cai.9 1950).
[From obs., dial. or slang Eng. funk, stench, tobacco smoke, to smoke, to cause a stench, ad. O.Fr. funkier, to raise smoke. Lat. fumicare, id.]
