Wonky: meaning, definitions and examples

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wonky

[ ˈwɒŋki ]

^{Context #1}

informal

Unstable or shaky; not functioning correctly.

Synonyms

faulty, shaky, unreliable, unstable

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}

informal

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

Synonyms

bizarre, eccentric, odd, quirky

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

Translations of the word "wonky" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instável

🇮🇳 अस्थिर

🇩🇪 wackelig

🇮🇩 goyah

🇺🇦 хиткий

🇵🇱 chwiejny

🇯🇵 ぐらついた

🇫🇷 bancal

🇪🇸 inestable

🇹🇷 sallantılı

🇰🇷 불안정한

🇸🇦 غير مستقر

🇨🇿 nestabilní

🇸🇰 nestabilný

🇨🇳 不稳定的

🇸🇮 nestabilen

🇮🇸 óstöðugur

🇰🇿 тұрақсыз

🇬🇪 არასაიმედო

🇦🇿 sabit deyil

🇲🇽 inestable

Word origin

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.