Wonk? What's a wonk?

I wrote a story for Friday's paper about American University's new branding campaign -- American Wonk. But some of you, especially those outside the beltway, may ask: What's a wonk?

Here's the definition American gives on its wonk Web site:

wonk | wäŋk | noun

1. An intellectually curious person; expert in a field: physics wonk

2. A knowledgeable Washington insider: policy wonk

3. Someone focused on an issue and passionate about creating meaningful change: financial reform wonk, human rights wonk, sustainability wonk

4. American University person in the know

But some students and alums have had a lot of fun coming up with fake definitions for the word. Some of those include:

* The sound of Pacman chopping through a maze.

* Sound a rubber ducky makes when thrown at a wall.

* A sick, pained Eagle (the school's mascot is an Eagle)

* Slang expression for a sex act.

* A curse word.

* A monkey.

* Willy Wonka and the American Oompa Loompas

* Sound a goose makes when hit over the head with a shovel.

* A stupid, boring or unattractive person who has little or no social life.

* Refrain in a country song.

* A scary creature.

* A gigolo.

What's your fake definition? Share it in the comments section.

And to learn more about the wonk campaign, make sure to check out coverage in the student newspaper, The Eagle. Here are some of their latest stories:

AU debuts new branding effort, but will 'wonk' work? Aug. 23

Staff Editorial: Getting to KNOW/WONK Aug. 29

AU students react to the wonk campaign Aug. 29

Students voice concerns at 'wonk' town hall Sept. 2

Video: AU students react to the wonk campaign Aug. 29

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