Pronunciation: [kˈuːki] (IPA) 
The word "kooky" is spelled with a double "o" in the middle because it is a variant of the word "cookie". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ˈkuːki/. The long "u" sound is represented by the IPA symbol /uː/, while the hard "k" sound is represented by the symbol /k/. The double "o" in the middle is represented by the long vowel sound /uː/. The word "kooky" means eccentric, odd or peculiar in nature.
Kooky is an adjective that describes someone or something as eccentric, peculiar, or offbeat in an endearing or amusing way. It is commonly used to characterize individuals who display unconventional or quirky behavior, often with a hint of playfulness or lightheartedness.
A person described as kooky is typically seen as having a distinctive or idiosyncratic personality, often taking delight in breaking societal norms or expectations. They may have unusual habits, dress in unconventional styles, or maintain peculiar interests that deviate from the mainstream. This word is usually used in a positive manner, indicating that the person's unconventional nature is seen as charming or delightful, rather than strange or deranged.
Similarly, kooky can also be used to describe things, such as ideas, concepts, or objects, that possess an out-of-the-ordinary quality. It implies a departure from normalcy or conventionality, often in a cheerful or humorous manner. These things may be characterized by their whimsical, unpredictable, or even comical nature, adding an element of surprise or fascination to the ordinary.
Overall, "kooky" is a word used to celebrate the uniqueness, creativity, and individuality of people or things, emphasizing their distinctive and often amusing qualities that make them stand out from the crowd.
The etymology of the word "kooky" is believed to have originated from the American English slang term "kook". "Kook" entered the English language around the 1960s and is derived from Hawaiian Pidgin, a creole language influenced by English, Portuguese, Hawaiian, and other languages. In Hawaiian, "kook" is a shortened form of "kūkae", which means "feces".
However, the meaning of "kook" shifted in American slang usage to refer to someone who is eccentric, strange, or a bit crazy. This sense of "kook" was popularized in the surfing community, and from there, it entered general American English. The transformation from "kook" to "kooky" occurred with the addition of the diminutive suffix "-y", which is often used to create adjectives indicating a small or lesser degree of the quality expressed by the stem word.
