what is a wonk

A wonk is a person who is preoccupied with arcane details or procedures in a specialized field, and is often referred to as a nerd or geek. The term originated in the 1950s from American student slang, possibly from the word wonky, meaning "shaky and unreliable". Wonks are typically deeply versed in the minutiae of their chosen policy area, whether it be economics, healthcare, education, environmental policy, or any other subject of legislative or administrative concern. They are often seen as the architects of policy, using their knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate laws, regulations, and initiatives. Wonks are usually found in roles such as policy advisors, researchers, analysts, and consultants, though legislators and administrators themselves can also be wonks if they show a particular dedication to policy details. In the media, "wonk" is often used to describe journalists or commentators who specialize in the in-depth analysis of policy issues.