- Today's Word
Wonky
[WONG-kee]
Definition
- (adjective) Unsteady, shaky, or not functioning properly. It can also refer to ideas or policies that are overly complicated or impractical, especially in political contexts. In British English, it can mean something that is crooked or off-center.
Example
After the earthquake, the building’s structure was a bit wonky, with some walls leaning at odd angles and doors that wouldn’t close properly.
Fun Fact
The origin of “wonky” is uncertain, but it’s believed to have emerged in British English in the early 20th century. Some linguists speculate it might be related to the Dutch word “wankel,” meaning unstable or tottering. In recent years, “wonky” has taken on additional meaning in political circles, where a “policy wonk” is someone who studies a topic in great detail, often to the point of becoming an expert in very specific and technical aspects of policy.
(adjective) Full of knots; or, figuratively, extremely difficult and complex, with no straightforward solution.
The lawyers spent weeks untangling the knotty language buried deep in the old property deed.