Real question: What is a "wonk"? What does "Wonky" mean?

[old mark]

I hear this on MSNBC's liberal media programming, and I have no idea what it means...

Help and old altar boy, Father?


mark

[flvegan]

1. Are they using it as wonk or wonky?

Wonky means that something is askew, not right, not working right. The only "wonk" I can think of MSNBC using it for is "policy wonk" which is like a political strategist. Something like that.

"Wonky" is largely used by the Brits too, I think.

I repeat, I think.

[old mark]

4. Yes, it started there...I first recall seeing it in a John LeCarre novel

along with the term "boffin", and the phrase "gone missing" which seems to have been adopted by the "liberal media" as well.

So a wonk is a detail obsessed person?

Thanks.

mark

[The Midway Rebel]

2. If you don't know what a wonk is...

you might be one.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. A wonk is someone involved with minute details.

Like a policy wonk is someone who is very "brass tacks," and knows actual policy inside out from a technical level (i.e., dry facts), no outside emotion or anything like that. Rachel Maddow would be a good example of a policy wonk.

Policy wonks can also view things on an emotional level -- Bill Clinton knew his stuff back to front but could sell it in a personal way that would appeal to the common man.

[madinmaryland]

5. IBTL! Dude! That's something that should be done in the privacy...

:D

[The Midway Rebel]

6. Wonky Music

'cause ol' mark is fuckin' crisp yo...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVzHth0vQVs

[Fire Walk With Me]

7. You're going to have to ask Master/Blaster, and that's pretty much not recommended.