wonk

Meaning

Noun

1. (derogatory, informal) An overly studious person, particularly a student.
2. (broadly, informal) A policy wonk or other intellectual expert.

Verb

To cram for exams.

Synonyms

dweeb

grind

nerd

swot

bookworm

Translations

secchione

Streber

φυτό

boulot

falot

🏮

moudre

bûcheur

nerd

sfigato

sgobbone

faticone

empollón

Streberin

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.