Re: Wonk, Wonk, Wonk...

William M. Loker (wloker@RA.MSSTATE.EDU)
Fri, 17 May 1996 15:23:43 -0500

(601) 325-1663 Mark Twain, 1894

On Fri, 17 May 1996, Marie K Conrad wrote:

> Mr. Langdon,
> "Wonk, wonk, wonk . . . " is the universal signal that the following
> information is a joke. I believe, and Mr. Geiger can affirm or deny this,
> that the "wonk" derives from all Marx Brothers skits, and is usually
> accompanied by some kind of semi-rude gestures involving the armpit.
> Marie Conrad
>
I believe the noise (wonk, wonk, wonk) has more to do with Harpo's
carrying around a big bulbous horn that he was fond of blaring at
strategically funny moments. Ahh! what I'd do for a good Marx Bros film
right now .. or a strategically funny moment!

Bill Loker