Question for the Americans on the list

[PeterB]

What's a wonk?

The closest word I know to it is "wonky", which just means uneven, or askew, something like that.

But in the context I read the word, it seems to mean someone involved in the political scene somehow.

[gillianren]

Yup. In short, it's a person who works in the political scene without necessarily being a politician--William Safire calls himself a wonk sometimes, though he usually modifies the word. "Policy wonk" is a favorite term of his.

[Jason]

It's sort of like what the term "geek" has become - self-referential and somewhat self-depreciating. The person refering to themselves as a "wonk" is basically saying that they know their attachment to politics is unnusual and possibly unhealthy but they take a little pride in it anyway.

[BertL]

I wear my geekiness with pride.

[Bill Thompson]

All I can think of is Willy Wonka

[gillianren]

You mean self-deprecating, Jason, but quite right other than that. I will note, however, that "wonk" is closer to a job description than "geek" is.

Where'd you come across the term, Peter?

[Al Johnston]

I've seen it in British newspapers and heard it on TV, I've never actually thought that it was an American term...

[echnaton]

I've heard it in the U.S. for years, but it sounds more British than American.

[PeterB]

gillianren said:

Where'd you come across the term, Peter?

Reading "Time" magazine. It seems to crop up two or three times each edition.

[gillianren]

Ah. Yes. Yes, it would.

[Obviousman]

I don't read TIME, and must admit I have never heard of the term before.