wonk

n. Slang

1. A student who studies excessively; a grind.
2. One who studies an issue or a topic thoroughly or excessively: "leading a talkathon of policy wonks in a methodical effort to build consensus for his programs" (Michael Kranish).

[Origin unknown.]

a nerd

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Français (French)
n. - (US) bûcheur

Español (Spanish)
n. - persona estudiosa o trabajadora

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(wongk)

noun
An expert who studies a subject or issue thoroughly and excessively.

Etymology
Of unknown origin

This word is most often encountered in the term "policy wonk". There are many speculations about the origin of the word, for example an acronym for WithOut Normal Knowledge, or the reverse spelling of the word know, but these claims are not supported by evidence.

Usage
"This sober, well-ordered city - where John Calvin was laid to rest - is also where the WTO is headquartered and where trade wonks get down to serious business." — From Cancun to Geneva; The Economist (London, UK); Jul 30, 2004.

"Aside from being a genuine wit and an eloquent policy wonk, (Robert) Reich speaks the language of class." — Eric Alterman; The Reich Stuff; Mother Jones (San Francisco, California); Jul/Aug 1995.

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