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For a discussion I'm having with a colleague, we're trying to think of complimentary words that sound ugly.

Any that rhyme with chunky (or anything else for that matter).

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So much, always, depends on context. Chunky might be great for a chocolate chip cookie, but uncomplimentary to a woman. – mickeyf Nov 25 '10 at 14:39

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pulchritude

It sounds horrible (to me, at least) - but means beauty (see also: pulchritudinous).

As for complimentary words that sound rhyme with chunky: how about "funky"?

EDIT: Definition of funky.

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That is one disgusting sounding word! Funky is a good idea! – Kyle Sevenoaks Nov 24 '10 at 12:08
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I didn't realize "funky" was complimentary. – mmyers Nov 24 '10 at 17:41
@MMyers Did you consider whether it is derogatory or not? – Mark C Nov 26 '10 at 16:29
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@Mark C: now that you mention it, a (rather old-fashioned) meaning of "funky" is "smelly", which is definitely not complimentary! – Steve Melnikoff Nov 26 '10 at 16:41
I had forgotten that one, although it is not "old-fashioned" to me. – Mark C Nov 27 '10 at 21:48
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up vote 4 down vote

puissant

It means powerful, mighty, potent, and sounds exactly the opposite.

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up vote 3 down vote

Spunky

That was the first word that came to mind when I read the question.

Here are results from a rhyming dictionary:

One syllable: clunky, funky, hunky, junkie, junky, monkey, punky, spunky

(See the link for words with more syllables, like "grease monkey".)

My, this seems like the kind of site I could have spent a lot of time answering questions on!

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Of those words I'd have chosen hunky as the most complimentary - "spunky" can mean brave but also relating to sperm, at least in the UK :-) – psmears Feb 17 '11 at 21:04
up vote 3 down vote

hunky

I've always thought this was a stupid-sounding word, although young women seem enamored of it to describe their boyfriends.

For that matter, I can't think of much that's more pleasant or beautiful than a girl, but the word "girl", with its initial gutteral, consecutive liquids, and complete lack of a true vowel, is not among the most beautiful of words.

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