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Wonk
Definitions
- 1 An overly studious person, particularly a student. derogatory, informal
"Previously, e-reading had been the domain of early adopters and new technology wonks."
- 2 an insignificant student who is ridiculed as being affected or boringly studious wordnet
- 3 A policy wonk or other intellectual expert. broadly, informal
"This is the sort of standard that the Paul Ryans of the world trumpet to their constituents, to potential campaign contributors and to their peers in Congress. They become “budget wonks” and political superstars, even if their proposals are bound to go nowhere."
- 1 To cram for exams.
"he is renowned in the dorm for his ability to “wonk” (Know spelled backward), or cram, for exams."
Etymology
American English student slang 1954; perhaps navy slang before that. "Expert" sense popularized in the Clinton administration, 1993. Origin uncertain, possibly from wonky (“shaky, unreliable”) or wank, wanker or simply expressive.
American English student slang 1954; perhaps navy slang before that. "Expert" sense popularized in the Clinton administration, 1993. Origin uncertain, possibly from wonky (“shaky, unreliable”) or wank, wanker or simply expressive.
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