Does funny always mean humorous?

No. It can also mean strange or not right, especially in informal speech.

Is funny formal or informal?

It is mostly informal and common in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between funny and hilarious?

Funny means amusing. Hilarious means very, very funny.

Can I say a funny smell?

Yes. Here, funny means strange or unusual, not humorous.

← Dictionary

funny

/ˈfʌn.i/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Something funny makes people laugh or smile. It can also mean strange, unusual, or hard to understand in some contexts.

That joke was really funny.
She had a funny look on her face.
Something funny is going on here.

Adinary Nuance

Funny is broader than hilarious and less strong than hilarious. It is more casual than amusing, which sounds a little more formal. Funny can also mean “strange,” so context matters when you use it.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hài hước
Spanish: gracioso
Chinese: 有趣的
Japanese: おかしい
Korean: 웃긴

Etymology

Funny comes from English, first used in the 1600s. It developed from older words meaning playful, strange, or amusing.

Common phrases

funny storyfunny enoughfunny-lookingfunny business

Synonyms

amusing hilarious comical ridiculous

Related words

joke humour laugh odd

Frequently asked questions

Does funny always mean humorous?: No. It can also mean strange or not right, especially in informal speech.
Is funny formal or informal?: It is mostly informal and common in everyday conversation.
What is the difference between funny and hilarious?: Funny means amusing. Hilarious means very, very funny.
Can I say a funny smell?: Yes. Here, funny means strange or unusual, not humorous.