funk-hole
Definition
- Noun:
- A shelter or hiding place: "funk-hole" refers to a dugout, bunker, or other protective structure used for shelter, especially from enemy fire in a military context.
- A pretext for avoiding duty: "funk-hole" also denotes a job, assignment, or activity that is deliberately created or chosen as an excuse to evade military service or other responsibilities.
Usage Examples
- Shelter:
- The soldiers dug a funk-hole in the hillside to escape the artillery barrage. (A protective shelter against enemy attacks.)
- Pretext:
- He volunteered for kitchen duty as a funk-hole to avoid being sent to the front lines. (A job used as an excuse to evade combat.)
Advanced Usage
- "to find a funk-hole": to locate or create a safe or easy refuge.
- During the draft, many young men tried to find a funk-hole in the reserves. (They sought a way to avoid active military service.)
- "funk-hole mentality": a mindset of seeking easy avoidance of challenges or dangers.
- The funk-hole mentality among some recruits led to low morale. (A tendency to evade difficult tasks.)
Variants and Related Words
- Funk (n): a state of fear, panic, or depression.
- He was in a funk after hearing the bad news. (A mood of anxiety or dread.)
- Funk-hole (n): no common variants; the compound word is used as listed.
Synonyms
- Bunker: a reinforced underground shelter.
- Dugout: a trench or shelter, often military.
- Escape: a means of avoiding something unpleasant.
- Refuge: a place of safety or protection.
Related Idioms
- To be in a funk: to be in a state of fear or low spirits.
- She was in a funk after losing her job. (She felt depressed and anxious.)
- To funk out: to fail to perform due to fear or cowardice.
- He funked out of the race at the last moment. (He withdrew because of nervousness.)