punk Hear it!

punk¹ Definition

punk (puŋk)

noun

any substance, as decayed wood, that smolders when ignited, used as tinder; esp., a chemically treated fungous substance shaped into slender, fragile, light-brown sticks: the glowing tips are used to light fireworks, etc.

Etymology: prob. var. of spunk

punk² Definition

punk (puŋk)

noun

  1. Obsolete a prostitute
  2. Slang
    1. catamite
    2. a male homosexual
    3. a young hoodlum
    4. any person, esp. a youngster, regarded as inexperienced, insignificant, presumptuous, etc.
    1. punk rock
    2. a style, originating among fans of punk rock, characterized by motley clothes, oddly clipped hair, etc.

Etymology: Early ModE slang < ?

adjective

  1. Slang poor or bad in condition, quality, etc.
  2. of or having to do with punk rock or the style called punk

punk² Related Forms
punk·y adjective punk·i·er, punk·i·est
punk* Synonyms

punk*

modif.

bad, inadequate, not good; see poor 2.

punk* Synonyms

punk*

n.

hoodlum, hood*, juvenile delinquent, JD*, brat, hooligan, ruffian, bully; see also criminal, rascal.

punk Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • play: We'd both gotten turned onto Gang Of Four around then so we were playing angular post punk.
  • describe: Describe punk at the beginning of the 21st century.

Adjective modifier

  • hardcore: Hardcore punk - I love it, smile on face ( rapid ) nodding head, tapping foot.
  • melodic: Melodic punk with a lot of thrash metal influence in there.
  • daft: Well thats what daft punk have always delivered, its the subtley and simplicity in it that makes it so good.
  • 80's: They did create the comic book punk look copied by so many 80's punks - them and Discharge ( who I liked too!
  • 70's: These guys are more used to banging out 70's punk at full volume but this time they were sat on chairs with acoustic guitars!
  • 70s: A real momento of 70s punk, top man.

Modifies a noun

  • rocker: Richard Lloyd, Guitar Player May 2001 I am not a punk rocker.
  • rock: He has played punk rock in tiny bars in Germany.
  • band: Rob plays in a punk band called " Ego " .
  • anthem: His new material blending in with the classic punk anthems & his 80's chart singles.
  • funk: Signed to XL, they are probably the best band around who fit the vague description punk funk.
  • scene: How is the skin n punk scene in Malaysia?

Noun used with modifier

  • ska: My eldest boy of 21 is in a ska punk band.
  • electro: Try the trash cabaret Dynamite Boogaloo at Audio on Thursdays, or the " homo electro punk disco " , F*ck The Pain Away.
  • skate: Including techno, skate punk, classic indie and pure pop.
  • garage: Flamboyant songstress Karen O. prevents them from being just another fashionable New York garage punk band.
  • DIY: I´d describe them as Electro Punk - You know the Drum N Bass scene with the better elements of DIY Punk thrown in.
  • indie: The Hipshakes - indie punk rock, featuring an architecture student from Sheffield University?
punk Quotes

You've got toask yourself a question.Do I feel lucky.Well do you punk?

—Earhart, Amelia

Browse dictionary entries near punk

  1. punji
  2. Punjabi
  3. Punjab
  4. punitive damages
  5. punitive
  6. punishment
  7. punished
  8. punishable
  9. punish
  10. puniness
  1. punk rock
  2. punkah
  3. punker
  4. punkie
  5. punnet
  6. punster
  7. punt
  8. Punta Arenas
  9. punter
  10. punty