funny looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "funny looking" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something or someone that looks amusing or strange. Example: "Did you see that painting in the art gallery? It was so funny looking with its exaggerated colors and distorted shapes." In this sentence, "funny looking" is used to describe the appearance of a painting. It could also be used to describe things like a person's outfit, a strange object, or an unusual animal. Overall, it is a casual and informal phrase that adds a touch of humor to the description.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's funny looking back.

The Guardian - Sport

A funny looking green suit.

The New York Times

Twice I was described as "funny looking".

The New York Times - Style

Am I funny looking or can't dance?

The New Yorker

It becomes no more or less elegant or funny looking.

The New York Times - Arts

"Anything funny looking and they're out of here".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He was funny-looking.

The New Yorker

As farms go, this one is small - only one acre in size - and funny-looking.

The New York Times

There are no trailers" — the crowd in unison — "in Greenwich, Connecticut!" But nobody said that the groom was funny-looking.

The New Yorker

Funny-looking doctors take note.

The Economist

From funny-looking pods, and chocolate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's appearance, consider whether "funny looking" is the most appropriate term. Depending on the context, words like "unusual", "peculiar", or "striking" may be more suitable to avoid unintentional offense.

Common error

Avoid using "funny looking" in formal writing. It's generally too informal and subjective. Instead, opt for more precise and objective descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "funny looking" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an amusing or odd appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "funny looking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something with an amusing or odd appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample real-world examples. While its register is generally informal, it appears in various contexts including News & Media and Wiki. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider more neutral or formal alternatives like "unusual" or "distinctive" to avoid unintended offense. Remember, precision in language is key to clear and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comical appearance

Replaces "funny" with "comical" and uses the noun "appearance" instead of the adjective "looking".

peculiar appearance

Substitutes "funny" for "peculiar", emphasizing the strangeness of the appearance.

unusual aspect

Replaces "funny" with "unusual" and "looking" with "aspect", focusing on the atypical nature of the appearance.

strange aspect

Replace "funny" with "strange", focusing on its oddness.

amusing visage

Replaces "funny" with "amusing" and "looking" with "visage", suggesting a face or appearance that provokes laughter.

odd appearance

Substitutes "funny" for "odd", highlighting the unconventional nature of the appearance.

curious aspect

Replaces "funny" with "curious", implying that the appearance is intriguing or puzzling.

droll mien

Replaces "funny looking" with "droll mien", which refers to a person's look or manner that is whimsically comical.

whimsical appearance

Replace "funny" with "whimsical", focusing on its playfulness.

bizarre aspect

Replace "funny" with "bizarre", focusing on its extremeness or strangeness.

FAQs

How can I use "funny looking" in a sentence?

You can use "funny looking" to describe something that has an odd or amusing appearance. For instance, "The dog had a "funny looking" haircut" or "That's a "funny looking" hat you're wearing".

What's a more formal alternative to "funny looking"?

Depending on the context, you could use more formal alternatives such as "unusual", "peculiar", or "distinctive". For instance, instead of "a "funny looking" building", you might say "a building with a distinctive architectural style".

Is it okay to use "funny looking" to describe a person?

While grammatically correct, using "funny looking" to describe a person can be impolite or offensive. It's better to use more specific and considerate language or focus on positive attributes. Words like "unconventional", "unique", or "distinctive" can be used in some contexts.

What's the difference between "funny looking" and "strange looking"?

"Funny looking" usually implies something is amusing or slightly odd in appearance, while "strange looking" suggests something is unusual or bizarre. While they can be similar, "strange looking" often carries a stronger sense of peculiarity.