Wonderkids

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals, particularly children or adolescents, who display exceptional talent or skill at a remarkably young age
2. Young prodigies in fields such as music, sports, or academics who exhibit extraordinary abilities beyond their years
3. Remarkable young people whose abilities or achievements inspire admiration and awe, often leading to significant future potential

Etymology: "Wonderkids" is the plural of "wonderkid," a compound built from "wonder" and "kid," the word for a young child. The pairing is a deliberate imitation of the German "Wunderkind," which means "wonder child" and was already used in German for exceptionally talented young people. English speakers borrowed the idea by translating the parts rather than the whole word, so the result is a home-grown compound that carries a German blueprint. The "wonder" half has a long pedigree in English, meaning a marvel or something that inspires awe, but the "kid" half is the more interesting twist. "Kid" originally referred to a young goat, and its application to human children is a later, informal extension. Put together, the compound describes a young person whose talent seems almost like a marvel, with the playful undertone of a child still in short trousers.

Synonyms: prodigies, whiz kids, geniuses, wunderkinds, talents