Gonk
/GONK/ noun/adjective (insult)
≈ “Idiot / Moron”
Night City slang for an idiot or fool. Can be used as noun or adjective ('gonk move'). One of Cyberpunk's most beloved and adopted slang terms.
“Don't be a gonk, V. Think before you act.”— V, Jackie Welles, various NPCs
Etymology
Created by Mike Pondsmith for the 1988 Cyberpunk tabletop RPG. Onomatopoeic and slightly comical, with no clear real-world etymology.
Usage History
Cyberpunk TTRPG (1988). Cyberpunk 2077 (2020). Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime (2022).
Taboo Trajectory
Became one of the most recognizable gaming slang terms of the 2020s after the video game and anime brought it to mainstream audiences.
Semantic Drift Timeline
Stable — always means 'idiot/fool.' Can function as noun ('you gonk') or adjective ('gonk move').
Regional Notes
Universal across Night City. All social strata and gangs use it.
Real-World Euphemisms
IdiotMoronDumbassFool