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freaky

UK[ˈfriːki]US[ˈfriːki]
adj

very strange or unusual, often in a way that is frightening or disturbing

adj

(informal) very interested in or enthusiastic about something

Morpheme Breakdown

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freak

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Etymology

the word 'freaky' is a modern english formation built upon the older noun 'freak'. the term 'freak' emerged in the 16th century, originally meaning a 'sudden turn of mind' or 'caprice', likely from a dialectal english word related to the old english 'frician', meaning 'to dance'. its meaning evolved to denote a monstrosity or abnormal creature by the 18th century, influenced by carnival sideshows. the adjective-forming suffix '-y', of old english origin, was then appended, creating a word that literally means 'characterized by freakishness', which in contemporary usage describes something strikingly strange or, informally, an intense enthusiasm.

Analysis

Structure: freak + y freak (english, root meaning an unusual or abnormal person/thing) + y (english, suffix forming adjectives meaning 'characterized by' or 'full of')

Examples

the fog created a freaky atmosphere where familiar shapes looked like monsters.

she's a freaky genius when it comes to solving complex puzzles.

he's totally freaky about vintage vinyl records and has an enormous collection.

freaky – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology