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Wonky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคช
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wonky

[หˆwษ’ล‹ki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

informal

Unstable or shaky; not functioning correctly.

Synonyms

faulty, shaky, unreliable, unstable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wonky

Use this term informally to describe something that is not working correctly or is out of alignment.

  • The table leg is a bit wonky.
  • Her explanation seems a little wonky.
unstable

This term indicates that something is prone to change or collapse, often referring to physical, emotional, or structural states.

  • The structure is unstable and needs repairing.
  • She has been emotionally unstable since the incident.
shaky

Use this term to describe something that is physically unsteady or weak, not firm or stable, and can also refer to uncertain situations.

  • The ladder feels shaky.
  • His confidence seemed a bit shaky during the presentation.
faulty

This word refers to something that has defects or is not functioning properly, often used in technical or mechanical contexts.

  • The engine has a faulty part.
  • The faulty wiring caused the lights to flicker.
unreliable

This word is used to describe someone or something that cannot be depended upon, often relating to people or systems.

  • This old car is quite unreliable.
  • The information from that source is unreliable.

Examples of usage

  • The wonky table kept wobbling every time someone touched it.
  • The wonky wheel on the shopping cart made it difficult to steer.
Context #2 | Adjective

informal

Strange or odd in a way that is amusing or ridiculous.

Synonyms

bizarre, eccentric, odd, quirky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wonky

Typically used to describe something that is unstable, crooked, or not functioning correctly.

  • The chair leg is a bit wonky; I think I need to fix it.
  • The software update made my computer wonky.
quirky

Describes something or someone that is charmingly unusual or has a unique, playful, or distinctive character.

  • She has a quirky sense of style, always mixing bold patterns.
  • The coffee shop has a quirky dรฉcor with colorful furniture.
eccentric

Describes a person or behavior that is unconventional and slightly strange, often in an endearing or intriguing way.

  • He's known for his eccentric behavior, like wearing two different shoes.
  • The artist is quite eccentric, always coming up with unusual ideas.
odd

Generally used to describe something that is unusual or different from what is normal or expected, often with a neutral to slightly negative connotation.

  • There's something odd about the way he talks to his cat.
  • The car made an odd noise, so I took it to the mechanic.
bizarre

Used when something is very strange or unusual in a way that shocks or surprises people.

  • Her outfit was so bizarre that everyone at the party couldn't stop staring.
  • The movie had a bizarre plot that no one could understand.

Examples of usage

  • The comedian's wonky sense of humor always made the audience laugh.
  • The movie had a wonky plot twist that no one saw coming.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Using 'wonky' has become popular in various TV shows and movies, often to describe quirky characters or situations.
  • The term appears in British children's literature, illustrating the imagination and creativity in storytelling.

Psychology

  • People often use 'wonky' to express disorganization in thoughts or feelings, which can help lighten the mood when discussing difficult subjects.
  • Describing something as 'wonky' might reflect a more flexible, open-minded approach to handling unexpected situations.

Science

  • In science, techniques or models are sometimes described as 'wonky' if they are not performing as expected or if their accuracy is questionable.
  • The word has been used in discussions on climate science to describe unexpected data or results that don't fit well with established theories.

Literature

  • 'Wonky' is often used in poetry and prose to convey a sense of whimsy or playfulness in language, allowing authors to express unconventional ideas.
  • In children's books, 'wonky' characters and scenarios help create engaging narratives that encourage imagination.

Origin of 'wonky'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wonky' originated in British English in the 1970s and is believed to be derived from the word 'wonk', meaning to be unsteady.
  • It was initially used to describe something that is weak or unreliable, especially in the context of furniture.

The word 'wonky' originated in British English in the mid-19th century, originally meaning shaky or unsteady. Over time, it has evolved to also include the meaning of something being strange or odd. The exact etymology of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the word 'wonk,' which means fool or simpleton.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,962, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.