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Wonkiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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wonkiest

 

[ ˈwΙ’Ε‹kΙͺst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

most unusual

The term 'wonkiest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'wonky', which describes something that is unsteady, shaky, or not quite right. It can also refer to something that is eccentric or out of alignment. In informal contexts, it is often used to characterize situations or objects that deviate notably from the norm, adding a humorous or whimsical connotation. This word is commonly used in British English to convey a sense of instability or peculiar quality in various scenarios.

Synonyms

awkward, eccentric, quirky, unsteady

Examples of usage

  • That was the wonkiest bike I've ever ridden.
  • Her explanation was the wonkiest I've heard in a while.
  • The chair looks wonky; it's not safe to sit on.
  • He has the wonkiest sense of humor.

Etymology

The word 'wonky' has its roots in British English, emerging in the mid-20th century. It is thought to derive from the dialectal word 'wank', which meant 'to move unsteadily'. Over time, 'wonky' has evolved in usage and has been adopted into the broader vernacular to describe anything that is unstable or not functioning correctly. The superlative form 'wonkiest' gained popularity as people began to use 'wonky' humorously to describe oddities in both objects and situations. It captures a playful and lighthearted approach to describing imperfections and eccentricities, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate a more colorful vocabulary.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,785, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.