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What do you call someone who asks many questions?



Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara
Planned maintenance scheduled April 17/18, 2019 at 00:00UTC (8:00pm US/Eastern)Is there a word to describe someone who keeps trying to do something but always fails?What do you call someone interested in learning many languages?What do you call someone who misses someone?Is there a term to describe inquisitiveness with a negative connotation?What would you call someone interested in many things?What to call a deficiency that is not inherent?Is there a single word for someone who left the company that does not have overly negative connotations?What is an eloquent word for a disrespectful, impertinent child?What do you call a person who competes but does not win anything?What do you call a person who asks really smart questions?



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27















I am looking for a word meaning "a person who asks many questions", with positive connotations (one who is curious about things, which is good). Preferably a noun.



The word preferably should be unambiguous and clear to non-native speakers; preferably a bit humorous, and clearly saying that this person has good qualities, such as curious and eager to learn.



I know such words in other languages: Russian почемучка "a curious child who wants to learn all things and asks his parents many questions" (positive), Spanish preguntón "questioner" (I think neutral).



Context: At a conference, we give several awards. In the audience, there is always somebody who asks questions at all presentations, which is good and shows his/her active involvement and attention. We want to encourage this behavior by giving an award. All other awards are called with nouns:



  • Best paper

  • Best poster

  • Best presentation

so we want to have an award in line with this, like:



  • Best why-boy

  • Best questioner

  • Best inquisitive mind

The award is in a way humorous, so "why-boy / why-girl" would be adequate (if I get right that it has positive connotations), but having the word gender-dependent is not convenient. "Questioner" does not seem to have too positive connotations (and is not humorous enough). Then "inquisitive mind" seems to be the best option, but it is too long and not quite correct ("best mind"? "most inquisitive"?).



This is also why I need a word that is unambiguous (to avoid misunderstanding!) and easy to understand by non-native speakers: most of the attendees of the conference are non-native speakers, so a too fancy word can confuse them more than encourage.










share|improve this question
























  • @Ubihatt Does asker have clearly positive connotations, encouraging such behavior?

    – Alexander Gelbukh
    Apr 2 at 14:14






  • 3





    Seems like you want something more along the lines of “Best audience participation” “Best speaker engagement” etc.

    – Jim
    Apr 2 at 15:01






  • 2





    Do not use "why-boy" unless you want to exclude females.

    – GEdgar
    Apr 2 at 16:38






  • 1





    @David How can one learn without asking questions?

    – ab2
    Apr 2 at 21:44






  • 2





    I present to you exhibit 1: a toddler.

    – MonkeyZeus
    Apr 3 at 13:06


















27















I am looking for a word meaning "a person who asks many questions", with positive connotations (one who is curious about things, which is good). Preferably a noun.



The word preferably should be unambiguous and clear to non-native speakers; preferably a bit humorous, and clearly saying that this person has good qualities, such as curious and eager to learn.



I know such words in other languages: Russian почемучка "a curious child who wants to learn all things and asks his parents many questions" (positive), Spanish preguntón "questioner" (I think neutral).



Context: At a conference, we give several awards. In the audience, there is always somebody who asks questions at all presentations, which is good and shows his/her active involvement and attention. We want to encourage this behavior by giving an award. All other awards are called with nouns:



  • Best paper

  • Best poster

  • Best presentation

so we want to have an award in line with this, like:



  • Best why-boy

  • Best questioner

  • Best inquisitive mind

The award is in a way humorous, so "why-boy / why-girl" would be adequate (if I get right that it has positive connotations), but having the word gender-dependent is not convenient. "Questioner" does not seem to have too positive connotations (and is not humorous enough). Then "inquisitive mind" seems to be the best option, but it is too long and not quite correct ("best mind"? "most inquisitive"?).



This is also why I need a word that is unambiguous (to avoid misunderstanding!) and easy to understand by non-native speakers: most of the attendees of the conference are non-native speakers, so a too fancy word can confuse them more than encourage.










share|improve this question
























  • @Ubihatt Does asker have clearly positive connotations, encouraging such behavior?

    – Alexander Gelbukh
    Apr 2 at 14:14






  • 3





    Seems like you want something more along the lines of “Best audience participation” “Best speaker engagement” etc.

    – Jim
    Apr 2 at 15:01






  • 2





    Do not use "why-boy" unless you want to exclude females.

    – GEdgar
    Apr 2 at 16:38






  • 1





    @David How can one learn without asking questions?

    – ab2
    Apr 2 at 21:44






  • 2





    I present to you exhibit 1: a toddler.

    – MonkeyZeus
    Apr 3 at 13:06














27












27








27


4






I am looking for a word meaning "a person who asks many questions", with positive connotations (one who is curious about things, which is good). Preferably a noun.



The word preferably should be unambiguous and clear to non-native speakers; preferably a bit humorous, and clearly saying that this person has good qualities, such as curious and eager to learn.



I know such words in other languages: Russian почемучка "a curious child who wants to learn all things and asks his parents many questions" (positive), Spanish preguntón "questioner" (I think neutral).



Context: At a conference, we give several awards. In the audience, there is always somebody who asks questions at all presentations, which is good and shows his/her active involvement and attention. We want to encourage this behavior by giving an award. All other awards are called with nouns:



  • Best paper

  • Best poster

  • Best presentation

so we want to have an award in line with this, like:



  • Best why-boy

  • Best questioner

  • Best inquisitive mind

The award is in a way humorous, so "why-boy / why-girl" would be adequate (if I get right that it has positive connotations), but having the word gender-dependent is not convenient. "Questioner" does not seem to have too positive connotations (and is not humorous enough). Then "inquisitive mind" seems to be the best option, but it is too long and not quite correct ("best mind"? "most inquisitive"?).



This is also why I need a word that is unambiguous (to avoid misunderstanding!) and easy to understand by non-native speakers: most of the attendees of the conference are non-native speakers, so a too fancy word can confuse them more than encourage.










share|improve this question
















I am looking for a word meaning "a person who asks many questions", with positive connotations (one who is curious about things, which is good). Preferably a noun.



The word preferably should be unambiguous and clear to non-native speakers; preferably a bit humorous, and clearly saying that this person has good qualities, such as curious and eager to learn.



I know such words in other languages: Russian почемучка "a curious child who wants to learn all things and asks his parents many questions" (positive), Spanish preguntón "questioner" (I think neutral).



Context: At a conference, we give several awards. In the audience, there is always somebody who asks questions at all presentations, which is good and shows his/her active involvement and attention. We want to encourage this behavior by giving an award. All other awards are called with nouns:



  • Best paper

  • Best poster

  • Best presentation

so we want to have an award in line with this, like:



  • Best why-boy

  • Best questioner

  • Best inquisitive mind

The award is in a way humorous, so "why-boy / why-girl" would be adequate (if I get right that it has positive connotations), but having the word gender-dependent is not convenient. "Questioner" does not seem to have too positive connotations (and is not humorous enough). Then "inquisitive mind" seems to be the best option, but it is too long and not quite correct ("best mind"? "most inquisitive"?).



This is also why I need a word that is unambiguous (to avoid misunderstanding!) and easy to understand by non-native speakers: most of the attendees of the conference are non-native speakers, so a too fancy word can confuse them more than encourage.







single-word-requests






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Apr 2 at 22:10







Alexander Gelbukh

















asked Apr 2 at 14:04









Alexander GelbukhAlexander Gelbukh

23936




23936












  • @Ubihatt Does asker have clearly positive connotations, encouraging such behavior?

    – Alexander Gelbukh
    Apr 2 at 14:14






  • 3





    Seems like you want something more along the lines of “Best audience participation” “Best speaker engagement” etc.

    – Jim
    Apr 2 at 15:01






  • 2





    Do not use "why-boy" unless you want to exclude females.

    – GEdgar
    Apr 2 at 16:38






  • 1





    @David How can one learn without asking questions?

    – ab2
    Apr 2 at 21:44






  • 2





    I present to you exhibit 1: a toddler.

    – MonkeyZeus
    Apr 3 at 13:06


















  • @Ubihatt Does asker have clearly positive connotations, encouraging such behavior?

    – Alexander Gelbukh
    Apr 2 at 14:14






  • 3





    Seems like you want something more along the lines of “Best audience participation” “Best speaker engagement” etc.

    – Jim
    Apr 2 at 15:01






  • 2





    Do not use "why-boy" unless you want to exclude females.

    – GEdgar
    Apr 2 at 16:38






  • 1





    @David How can one learn without asking questions?

    – ab2
    Apr 2 at 21:44






  • 2





    I present to you exhibit 1: a toddler.

    – MonkeyZeus
    Apr 3 at 13:06

















@Ubihatt Does asker have clearly positive connotations, encouraging such behavior?

– Alexander Gelbukh
Apr 2 at 14:14





@Ubihatt Does asker have clearly positive connotations, encouraging such behavior?

– Alexander Gelbukh
Apr 2 at 14:14




3




3





Seems like you want something more along the lines of “Best audience participation” “Best speaker engagement” etc.

– Jim
Apr 2 at 15:01





Seems like you want something more along the lines of “Best audience participation” “Best speaker engagement” etc.

– Jim
Apr 2 at 15:01




2




2





Do not use "why-boy" unless you want to exclude females.

– GEdgar
Apr 2 at 16:38





Do not use "why-boy" unless you want to exclude females.

– GEdgar
Apr 2 at 16:38




1




1





@David How can one learn without asking questions?

– ab2
Apr 2 at 21:44





@David How can one learn without asking questions?

– ab2
Apr 2 at 21:44




2




2





I present to you exhibit 1: a toddler.

– MonkeyZeus
Apr 3 at 13:06






I present to you exhibit 1: a toddler.

– MonkeyZeus
Apr 3 at 13:06











11 Answers
11






active

oldest

votes


















38














I would say: Most inquisitive:



Merriam-Webster:




1 : given to examination or investigation



2 : inclined to ask questions, especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others




Cambridge Dictionary




wanting to discover as much as you can about things, sometimes in a way that annoys people




Someone who is inquisitive asks a lot of questions and is genuinely curious about things. They might take it a little too far, but it's a very weak negative connotation and one that doesn't really apply when you're in any context related to learning.



Particularly within academia, being inquisitive would be considered a badge of honor:




It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.



— David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997




Inquisitive really only has a negative connotation when used to describe someone inquisitive about something that isn't their business, for example, inquisitive neighbors:




an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own




And, while it shares a root with "inquisitor", "inquisitive" doesn't share any of that word's negative connotations.






share|improve this answer


















  • 3





    There are many good adjectives, but the question was rather about a noun. Thank you!

    – Alexander Gelbukh
    Apr 2 at 18:54







  • 3





    @AlexanderGelbukh That's fair, though superlatives are often used as a noun, with an implied "person": so a "Most inquisitive [person]" award would sound very natural. It doesn't work if you need to maintain the "Best ..." pattern, though

    – divibisan
    Apr 2 at 18:58






  • 2





    @JasonBassford although keep in mind inquisitor comes with many negative connotations. Inquisitive is positive though

    – Aethenosity
    Apr 3 at 3:52






  • 8





    @JasonBassford Technically, yes, an inquisitor is just someone who asks lots of questions, but if you say someone won the "Best Inquisitor" award, the first image that will pop into peoples' heads is that they got an award for finding the most heretics. That might be ok, if you're trying to make a joke about how how intense the questioning is (for example, an old professor who always asks intense, but on point, questions of a speaker, or a thesis defense) but you should be aware of the negative connotation.

    – divibisan
    Apr 3 at 14:36






  • 5





    @JasonBassford "could apply"? yes, but I would be surprised if someone actually used that word for those groups of people (especially your first third and fourth examples. The second one fits, but because of the negative connotation), plus a lot of other words fit much better. Immediate image to pop into most peoples heads? Probably torture, as it is with me. I mean, your own link says "especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry."<- that is the REAL world context that people may have known through history. Based on all that, we'll have to agree to disagree.

    – Aethenosity
    Apr 3 at 16:22



















10














I would recommend
Inquirer .



According to Cambridge Dictionary
(https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/inquirer?q=Inquirer+):



INQUIRER




someone
who asks about something



Synonym -
questioner






share|improve this answer


















  • 3





    "Inquiring minds want to know!"

    – evildemonic
    Apr 2 at 22:41


















9














I would steal from the StackExchange platform. We give good question askers 3 badges:




  • Curious

  • Inquisitive

  • Socratic



The last here being somewhat of a joke. Socrates is known as a philosopher for posing difficult "Socratic questions" to people.



As such, if you're intending this to be somewhat humorous, you could also use the term for your award and call it "Most Socratic":




Of or pertaining to, characteristic of, Socrates the Athenian philosopher, or his philosophy, methods, character, etc.







share|improve this answer


















  • 2





    'Socratic' questioning implies questions asked to encourage understanding by the answerer; they're not a request for information as the OP describes.

    – Mitch
    Apr 4 at 12:33











  • @ab2 I have to disagree, Socratic questioning is more about deep consideration and critical thinking than general curiosity.

    – Kevin
    Apr 4 at 16:43


















1














You could use "inquisitor".




a person making an inquiry, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or searching.




It does conjur up images (to me at least) of the Spanish Inquisition but if you are looking for a slightly tongue in cheek term it could fit the bill.






share|improve this answer


















  • 6





    Not a great idea to name an award as inquisitor :) It has a negative overtone.

    – Ubi hatt
    Apr 2 at 14:26











  • Good, but non-native speakers can be confused and even offended. Plus, imagine such an award hanging on your wall: "Martin Smith is the best inquisitor". Sounds scary, I would not display such an award in my office.

    – Alexander Gelbukh
    Apr 2 at 14:26






  • 1





    Personally, it brings to mind the secret police of the Imperium of Mankind from Warhammer 40k.

    – nick012000
    Apr 3 at 3:12






  • 3





    Nobody would expect that

    – dkwarr87
    Apr 4 at 9:49






  • 1





    @dkwarr87 especially if the people who receive that award are Spanish.

    – VLAZ
    Apr 5 at 7:13


















1














You might need to make up a word. Some words simply do not have straightforward translations. In German kindergarten names, they sometimes translate почемучка as Warumka ("why-ka") . But in that situation some of the context is quite obvious, e.g. that the word is meant to be cute and that it is some kind of non-native word.






share|improve this answer






























    1














    You can try:



    Best wonderer

    A bit more whimsical, but a wonderer is someone who is curious about things.1




    1. ✔ocabulary.com






    share|improve this answer

























    • Best wonderer is nice, best gumshoe is very unlikely to be understood by non-native speakers

      – Pierre Arlaud
      Apr 3 at 7:41











    • I suspect many people will confuse wonderer with wanderer, especially in speech.

      – Michael Kay
      Apr 5 at 7:43


















    1














    As you've indicated a wish for a light-hearted gender neutral investitive (yes that's deliberately not investigative) noun I would propose



    Questioneer n. (Much in the same vein as Buccaneer) but pronounced question-ear



    Definition A person who benefits by asking pertinent questions that add to the greater good. (from KJO's Directory of malapropisms :-)






    share|improve this answer























    • I wonder if native speakers know this word and feel the difference from questioner. A quick Google search suggests that no, and does not help to figure out the meaning of this word, unless one happens to find the dictionary that you mention.

      – Alexander Gelbukh
      Apr 4 at 1:27











    • An inquisitive non-native speaker may not see the humour if they are that serious about finding a truth but coupled with a badge on a pirates hat might understand the triple entendre. :-)

      – KJO
      Apr 4 at 1:34


















    1














    I'm going to suggest Grand Inquisitor:




    Grand Inquisitor (Latin: Inquisitor Generalis, literally Inquisitor
    General or General Inquisitor) was the lead official of the
    Inquisition. The title usually refers to the chief inquisitor of the
    Spanish Inquisition, even after the reunification of the inquisitions.
    Secretaries-general of the Roman Inquisition were often styled as
    Grand Inquisitor but the role and functions were different.




    The title has also been used in a Dostoevsky poem, and in numerous Star Wars episodes, so it's well-known.






    share|improve this answer























    • I'm not sure "Grand Inquisitor" has strictly positive connotations. And I especially don't think it's associated with "eager to learn". I'd grant you that it's humorous but I'm not sure it's appropriate.

      – VLAZ
      Apr 5 at 7:17











    • The Spanish Inquisition (something people in many countries would first think of when they hear the word Inquisitor) has a very negative connotation, more or less like, say, Gestapo.

      – Rudy Velthuis
      Apr 5 at 10:24












    • @VLAZ - I think in the context of humorous awards being given at a conference it would go over very well. And it might provide the inspiration to make some of the other award titles less tedious.

      – Hot Licks
      Apr 5 at 11:39


















    1














    How about just Best questions?



    While it is not term for the person, I think it would fit the other awards, as they all are about the end results: paper, presentation and poster, not the individual who made the contribution. It is also clearly positive, though it has more focus on the quality of the questions rather than amount of the questions. However, if this is not too serious award, I don't think that is too big of a problem, especially if it is questions in plural and not just best question. And on the other hand, I think you would not want to award somebody who just spams pointless questions.



    Most obvious drawback is that it is neutral/serious rather than humorous.






    share|improve this answer






























      0














      You might consider



      questionist



      from the OED:



      1. A (habitual or systematic) questioner, spec. in theological matters.
        Now rare.In early use applied to certain Scholastic philosophers, such
        as Aquinas and Duns Scotus.


      2. At the universities of Cambridge and Harvard: an undergraduate in the
        last term before final examinations. Now hist.


      This, I think, is now jocular, which may fit your purpose.






      share|improve this answer






























        -2














        You could consider Best Poser



        Punning on pose as in (from OED):




        Raise (a question or matter for consideration) ‘the statement posed more questions than it answered’




        And also poser as in (from OED):




        A person who poses; a poseur.




        Emphasising the potential attention-grabbing nature of questioning.



        This depends on exactly the kind of light-hearted tone you're after though, and punning with non-native speakers can be a minefield you might want to avoid, especially with the slight negative connotations in the latter definition.






        share|improve this answer


















        • 2





          Poser is strongly related to the idea of someone acting like other people to fit in. It's kind of a negative term.

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 4 at 14:51











        • I don't think I'd ever think of "poser" as "somebody who poses question". I doubt anybody will. It may work from strictly dictionary definition but it's not in any way a common usage.

          – VLAZ
          Apr 5 at 7:12











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        11 Answers
        11






        active

        oldest

        votes








        11 Answers
        11






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes









        38














        I would say: Most inquisitive:



        Merriam-Webster:




        1 : given to examination or investigation



        2 : inclined to ask questions, especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others




        Cambridge Dictionary




        wanting to discover as much as you can about things, sometimes in a way that annoys people




        Someone who is inquisitive asks a lot of questions and is genuinely curious about things. They might take it a little too far, but it's a very weak negative connotation and one that doesn't really apply when you're in any context related to learning.



        Particularly within academia, being inquisitive would be considered a badge of honor:




        It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.



        — David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997




        Inquisitive really only has a negative connotation when used to describe someone inquisitive about something that isn't their business, for example, inquisitive neighbors:




        an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own




        And, while it shares a root with "inquisitor", "inquisitive" doesn't share any of that word's negative connotations.






        share|improve this answer


















        • 3





          There are many good adjectives, but the question was rather about a noun. Thank you!

          – Alexander Gelbukh
          Apr 2 at 18:54







        • 3





          @AlexanderGelbukh That's fair, though superlatives are often used as a noun, with an implied "person": so a "Most inquisitive [person]" award would sound very natural. It doesn't work if you need to maintain the "Best ..." pattern, though

          – divibisan
          Apr 2 at 18:58






        • 2





          @JasonBassford although keep in mind inquisitor comes with many negative connotations. Inquisitive is positive though

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 3 at 3:52






        • 8





          @JasonBassford Technically, yes, an inquisitor is just someone who asks lots of questions, but if you say someone won the "Best Inquisitor" award, the first image that will pop into peoples' heads is that they got an award for finding the most heretics. That might be ok, if you're trying to make a joke about how how intense the questioning is (for example, an old professor who always asks intense, but on point, questions of a speaker, or a thesis defense) but you should be aware of the negative connotation.

          – divibisan
          Apr 3 at 14:36






        • 5





          @JasonBassford "could apply"? yes, but I would be surprised if someone actually used that word for those groups of people (especially your first third and fourth examples. The second one fits, but because of the negative connotation), plus a lot of other words fit much better. Immediate image to pop into most peoples heads? Probably torture, as it is with me. I mean, your own link says "especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry."<- that is the REAL world context that people may have known through history. Based on all that, we'll have to agree to disagree.

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 3 at 16:22
















        38














        I would say: Most inquisitive:



        Merriam-Webster:




        1 : given to examination or investigation



        2 : inclined to ask questions, especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others




        Cambridge Dictionary




        wanting to discover as much as you can about things, sometimes in a way that annoys people




        Someone who is inquisitive asks a lot of questions and is genuinely curious about things. They might take it a little too far, but it's a very weak negative connotation and one that doesn't really apply when you're in any context related to learning.



        Particularly within academia, being inquisitive would be considered a badge of honor:




        It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.



        — David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997




        Inquisitive really only has a negative connotation when used to describe someone inquisitive about something that isn't their business, for example, inquisitive neighbors:




        an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own




        And, while it shares a root with "inquisitor", "inquisitive" doesn't share any of that word's negative connotations.






        share|improve this answer


















        • 3





          There are many good adjectives, but the question was rather about a noun. Thank you!

          – Alexander Gelbukh
          Apr 2 at 18:54







        • 3





          @AlexanderGelbukh That's fair, though superlatives are often used as a noun, with an implied "person": so a "Most inquisitive [person]" award would sound very natural. It doesn't work if you need to maintain the "Best ..." pattern, though

          – divibisan
          Apr 2 at 18:58






        • 2





          @JasonBassford although keep in mind inquisitor comes with many negative connotations. Inquisitive is positive though

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 3 at 3:52






        • 8





          @JasonBassford Technically, yes, an inquisitor is just someone who asks lots of questions, but if you say someone won the "Best Inquisitor" award, the first image that will pop into peoples' heads is that they got an award for finding the most heretics. That might be ok, if you're trying to make a joke about how how intense the questioning is (for example, an old professor who always asks intense, but on point, questions of a speaker, or a thesis defense) but you should be aware of the negative connotation.

          – divibisan
          Apr 3 at 14:36






        • 5





          @JasonBassford "could apply"? yes, but I would be surprised if someone actually used that word for those groups of people (especially your first third and fourth examples. The second one fits, but because of the negative connotation), plus a lot of other words fit much better. Immediate image to pop into most peoples heads? Probably torture, as it is with me. I mean, your own link says "especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry."<- that is the REAL world context that people may have known through history. Based on all that, we'll have to agree to disagree.

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 3 at 16:22














        38












        38








        38







        I would say: Most inquisitive:



        Merriam-Webster:




        1 : given to examination or investigation



        2 : inclined to ask questions, especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others




        Cambridge Dictionary




        wanting to discover as much as you can about things, sometimes in a way that annoys people




        Someone who is inquisitive asks a lot of questions and is genuinely curious about things. They might take it a little too far, but it's a very weak negative connotation and one that doesn't really apply when you're in any context related to learning.



        Particularly within academia, being inquisitive would be considered a badge of honor:




        It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.



        — David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997




        Inquisitive really only has a negative connotation when used to describe someone inquisitive about something that isn't their business, for example, inquisitive neighbors:




        an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own




        And, while it shares a root with "inquisitor", "inquisitive" doesn't share any of that word's negative connotations.






        share|improve this answer













        I would say: Most inquisitive:



        Merriam-Webster:




        1 : given to examination or investigation



        2 : inclined to ask questions, especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others




        Cambridge Dictionary




        wanting to discover as much as you can about things, sometimes in a way that annoys people




        Someone who is inquisitive asks a lot of questions and is genuinely curious about things. They might take it a little too far, but it's a very weak negative connotation and one that doesn't really apply when you're in any context related to learning.



        Particularly within academia, being inquisitive would be considered a badge of honor:




        It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.



        — David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997




        Inquisitive really only has a negative connotation when used to describe someone inquisitive about something that isn't their business, for example, inquisitive neighbors:




        an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own




        And, while it shares a root with "inquisitor", "inquisitive" doesn't share any of that word's negative connotations.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Apr 2 at 16:11









        divibisandivibisan

        58529




        58529







        • 3





          There are many good adjectives, but the question was rather about a noun. Thank you!

          – Alexander Gelbukh
          Apr 2 at 18:54







        • 3





          @AlexanderGelbukh That's fair, though superlatives are often used as a noun, with an implied "person": so a "Most inquisitive [person]" award would sound very natural. It doesn't work if you need to maintain the "Best ..." pattern, though

          – divibisan
          Apr 2 at 18:58






        • 2





          @JasonBassford although keep in mind inquisitor comes with many negative connotations. Inquisitive is positive though

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 3 at 3:52






        • 8





          @JasonBassford Technically, yes, an inquisitor is just someone who asks lots of questions, but if you say someone won the "Best Inquisitor" award, the first image that will pop into peoples' heads is that they got an award for finding the most heretics. That might be ok, if you're trying to make a joke about how how intense the questioning is (for example, an old professor who always asks intense, but on point, questions of a speaker, or a thesis defense) but you should be aware of the negative connotation.

          – divibisan
          Apr 3 at 14:36






        • 5





          @JasonBassford "could apply"? yes, but I would be surprised if someone actually used that word for those groups of people (especially your first third and fourth examples. The second one fits, but because of the negative connotation), plus a lot of other words fit much better. Immediate image to pop into most peoples heads? Probably torture, as it is with me. I mean, your own link says "especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry."<- that is the REAL world context that people may have known through history. Based on all that, we'll have to agree to disagree.

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 3 at 16:22













        • 3





          There are many good adjectives, but the question was rather about a noun. Thank you!

          – Alexander Gelbukh
          Apr 2 at 18:54







        • 3





          @AlexanderGelbukh That's fair, though superlatives are often used as a noun, with an implied "person": so a "Most inquisitive [person]" award would sound very natural. It doesn't work if you need to maintain the "Best ..." pattern, though

          – divibisan
          Apr 2 at 18:58






        • 2





          @JasonBassford although keep in mind inquisitor comes with many negative connotations. Inquisitive is positive though

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 3 at 3:52






        • 8





          @JasonBassford Technically, yes, an inquisitor is just someone who asks lots of questions, but if you say someone won the "Best Inquisitor" award, the first image that will pop into peoples' heads is that they got an award for finding the most heretics. That might be ok, if you're trying to make a joke about how how intense the questioning is (for example, an old professor who always asks intense, but on point, questions of a speaker, or a thesis defense) but you should be aware of the negative connotation.

          – divibisan
          Apr 3 at 14:36






        • 5





          @JasonBassford "could apply"? yes, but I would be surprised if someone actually used that word for those groups of people (especially your first third and fourth examples. The second one fits, but because of the negative connotation), plus a lot of other words fit much better. Immediate image to pop into most peoples heads? Probably torture, as it is with me. I mean, your own link says "especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry."<- that is the REAL world context that people may have known through history. Based on all that, we'll have to agree to disagree.

          – Aethenosity
          Apr 3 at 16:22








        3




        3





        There are many good adjectives, but the question was rather about a noun. Thank you!

        – Alexander Gelbukh
        Apr 2 at 18:54






        There are many good adjectives, but the question was rather about a noun. Thank you!

        – Alexander Gelbukh
        Apr 2 at 18:54





        3




        3





        @AlexanderGelbukh That's fair, though superlatives are often used as a noun, with an implied "person": so a "Most inquisitive [person]" award would sound very natural. It doesn't work if you need to maintain the "Best ..." pattern, though

        – divibisan
        Apr 2 at 18:58





        @AlexanderGelbukh That's fair, though superlatives are often used as a noun, with an implied "person": so a "Most inquisitive [person]" award would sound very natural. It doesn't work if you need to maintain the "Best ..." pattern, though

        – divibisan
        Apr 2 at 18:58




        2




        2





        @JasonBassford although keep in mind inquisitor comes with many negative connotations. Inquisitive is positive though

        – Aethenosity
        Apr 3 at 3:52





        @JasonBassford although keep in mind inquisitor comes with many negative connotations. Inquisitive is positive though

        – Aethenosity
        Apr 3 at 3:52




        8




        8





        @JasonBassford Technically, yes, an inquisitor is just someone who asks lots of questions, but if you say someone won the "Best Inquisitor" award, the first image that will pop into peoples' heads is that they got an award for finding the most heretics. That might be ok, if you're trying to make a joke about how how intense the questioning is (for example, an old professor who always asks intense, but on point, questions of a speaker, or a thesis defense) but you should be aware of the negative connotation.

        – divibisan
        Apr 3 at 14:36





        @JasonBassford Technically, yes, an inquisitor is just someone who asks lots of questions, but if you say someone won the "Best Inquisitor" award, the first image that will pop into peoples' heads is that they got an award for finding the most heretics. That might be ok, if you're trying to make a joke about how how intense the questioning is (for example, an old professor who always asks intense, but on point, questions of a speaker, or a thesis defense) but you should be aware of the negative connotation.

        – divibisan
        Apr 3 at 14:36




        5




        5





        @JasonBassford "could apply"? yes, but I would be surprised if someone actually used that word for those groups of people (especially your first third and fourth examples. The second one fits, but because of the negative connotation), plus a lot of other words fit much better. Immediate image to pop into most peoples heads? Probably torture, as it is with me. I mean, your own link says "especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry."<- that is the REAL world context that people may have known through history. Based on all that, we'll have to agree to disagree.

        – Aethenosity
        Apr 3 at 16:22






        @JasonBassford "could apply"? yes, but I would be surprised if someone actually used that word for those groups of people (especially your first third and fourth examples. The second one fits, but because of the negative connotation), plus a lot of other words fit much better. Immediate image to pop into most peoples heads? Probably torture, as it is with me. I mean, your own link says "especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry."<- that is the REAL world context that people may have known through history. Based on all that, we'll have to agree to disagree.

        – Aethenosity
        Apr 3 at 16:22














        10














        I would recommend
        Inquirer .



        According to Cambridge Dictionary
        (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/inquirer?q=Inquirer+):



        INQUIRER




        someone
        who asks about something



        Synonym -
        questioner






        share|improve this answer


















        • 3





          "Inquiring minds want to know!"

          – evildemonic
          Apr 2 at 22:41















        10














        I would recommend
        Inquirer .



        According to Cambridge Dictionary
        (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/inquirer?q=Inquirer+):



        INQUIRER




        someone
        who asks about something



        Synonym -
        questioner






        share|improve this answer


















        • 3





          "Inquiring minds want to know!"

          – evildemonic
          Apr 2 at 22:41













        10












        10








        10







        I would recommend
        Inquirer .



        According to Cambridge Dictionary
        (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/inquirer?q=Inquirer+):



        INQUIRER




        someone
        who asks about something



        Synonym -
        questioner






        share|improve this answer













        I would recommend
        Inquirer .



        According to Cambridge Dictionary
        (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/inquirer?q=Inquirer+):



        INQUIRER




        someone
        who asks about something



        Synonym -
        questioner







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Apr 2 at 14:22









        user307254user307254

        1




        1







        • 3





          "Inquiring minds want to know!"

          – evildemonic
          Apr 2 at 22:41












        • 3





          "Inquiring minds want to know!"

          – evildemonic
          Apr 2 at 22:41







        3




        3





        "Inquiring minds want to know!"

        – evildemonic
        Apr 2 at 22:41





        "Inquiring minds want to know!"

        – evildemonic
        Apr 2 at 22:41











        9














        I would steal from the StackExchange platform. We give good question askers 3 badges:




        • Curious

        • Inquisitive

        • Socratic



        The last here being somewhat of a joke. Socrates is known as a philosopher for posing difficult "Socratic questions" to people.



        As such, if you're intending this to be somewhat humorous, you could also use the term for your award and call it "Most Socratic":




        Of or pertaining to, characteristic of, Socrates the Athenian philosopher, or his philosophy, methods, character, etc.







        share|improve this answer


















        • 2





          'Socratic' questioning implies questions asked to encourage understanding by the answerer; they're not a request for information as the OP describes.

          – Mitch
          Apr 4 at 12:33











        • @ab2 I have to disagree, Socratic questioning is more about deep consideration and critical thinking than general curiosity.

          – Kevin
          Apr 4 at 16:43















        9














        I would steal from the StackExchange platform. We give good question askers 3 badges:




        • Curious

        • Inquisitive

        • Socratic



        The last here being somewhat of a joke. Socrates is known as a philosopher for posing difficult "Socratic questions" to people.



        As such, if you're intending this to be somewhat humorous, you could also use the term for your award and call it "Most Socratic":




        Of or pertaining to, characteristic of, Socrates the Athenian philosopher, or his philosophy, methods, character, etc.







        share|improve this answer


















        • 2





          'Socratic' questioning implies questions asked to encourage understanding by the answerer; they're not a request for information as the OP describes.

          – Mitch
          Apr 4 at 12:33











        • @ab2 I have to disagree, Socratic questioning is more about deep consideration and critical thinking than general curiosity.

          – Kevin
          Apr 4 at 16:43













        9












        9








        9







        I would steal from the StackExchange platform. We give good question askers 3 badges:




        • Curious

        • Inquisitive

        • Socratic



        The last here being somewhat of a joke. Socrates is known as a philosopher for posing difficult "Socratic questions" to people.



        As such, if you're intending this to be somewhat humorous, you could also use the term for your award and call it "Most Socratic":




        Of or pertaining to, characteristic of, Socrates the Athenian philosopher, or his philosophy, methods, character, etc.







        share|improve this answer













        I would steal from the StackExchange platform. We give good question askers 3 badges:




        • Curious

        • Inquisitive

        • Socratic



        The last here being somewhat of a joke. Socrates is known as a philosopher for posing difficult "Socratic questions" to people.



        As such, if you're intending this to be somewhat humorous, you could also use the term for your award and call it "Most Socratic":




        Of or pertaining to, characteristic of, Socrates the Athenian philosopher, or his philosophy, methods, character, etc.








        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Apr 2 at 21:36









        scohe001scohe001

        2,6251123




        2,6251123







        • 2





          'Socratic' questioning implies questions asked to encourage understanding by the answerer; they're not a request for information as the OP describes.

          – Mitch
          Apr 4 at 12:33











        • @ab2 I have to disagree, Socratic questioning is more about deep consideration and critical thinking than general curiosity.

          – Kevin
          Apr 4 at 16:43












        • 2





          'Socratic' questioning implies questions asked to encourage understanding by the answerer; they're not a request for information as the OP describes.

          – Mitch
          Apr 4 at 12:33











        • @ab2 I have to disagree, Socratic questioning is more about deep consideration and critical thinking than general curiosity.

          – Kevin
          Apr 4 at 16:43







        2




        2





        'Socratic' questioning implies questions asked to encourage understanding by the answerer; they're not a request for information as the OP describes.

        – Mitch
        Apr 4 at 12:33





        'Socratic' questioning implies questions asked to encourage understanding by the answerer; they're not a request for information as the OP describes.

        – Mitch
        Apr 4 at 12:33













        @ab2 I have to disagree, Socratic questioning is more about deep consideration and critical thinking than general curiosity.

        – Kevin
        Apr 4 at 16:43





        @ab2 I have to disagree, Socratic questioning is more about deep consideration and critical thinking than general curiosity.

        – Kevin
        Apr 4 at 16:43











        1














        You could use "inquisitor".




        a person making an inquiry, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or searching.




        It does conjur up images (to me at least) of the Spanish Inquisition but if you are looking for a slightly tongue in cheek term it could fit the bill.






        share|improve this answer


















        • 6





          Not a great idea to name an award as inquisitor :) It has a negative overtone.

          – Ubi hatt
          Apr 2 at 14:26











        • Good, but non-native speakers can be confused and even offended. Plus, imagine such an award hanging on your wall: "Martin Smith is the best inquisitor". Sounds scary, I would not display such an award in my office.

          – Alexander Gelbukh
          Apr 2 at 14:26






        • 1





          Personally, it brings to mind the secret police of the Imperium of Mankind from Warhammer 40k.

          – nick012000
          Apr 3 at 3:12






        • 3





          Nobody would expect that

          – dkwarr87
          Apr 4 at 9:49






        • 1





          @dkwarr87 especially if the people who receive that award are Spanish.

          – VLAZ
          Apr 5 at 7:13















        1














        You could use "inquisitor".




        a person making an inquiry, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or searching.




        It does conjur up images (to me at least) of the Spanish Inquisition but if you are looking for a slightly tongue in cheek term it could fit the bill.






        share|improve this answer


















        • 6





          Not a great idea to name an award as inquisitor :) It has a negative overtone.

          – Ubi hatt
          Apr 2 at 14:26











        • Good, but non-native speakers can be confused and even offended. Plus, imagine such an award hanging on your wall: "Martin Smith is the best inquisitor". Sounds scary, I would not display such an award in my office.

          – Alexander Gelbukh
          Apr 2 at 14:26






        • 1





          Personally, it brings to mind the secret police of the Imperium of Mankind from Warhammer 40k.

          – nick012000
          Apr 3 at 3:12






        • 3





          Nobody would expect that

          – dkwarr87
          Apr 4 at 9:49






        • 1





          @dkwarr87 especially if the people who receive that award are Spanish.

          – VLAZ
          Apr 5 at 7:13













        1












        1








        1







        You could use "inquisitor".




        a person making an inquiry, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or searching.




        It does conjur up images (to me at least) of the Spanish Inquisition but if you are looking for a slightly tongue in cheek term it could fit the bill.






        share|improve this answer













        You could use "inquisitor".




        a person making an inquiry, especially one seen to be excessively harsh or searching.




        It does conjur up images (to me at least) of the Spanish Inquisition but if you are looking for a slightly tongue in cheek term it could fit the bill.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Apr 2 at 14:23









        Martin SmithMartin Smith

        2,93221220




        2,93221220







        • 6





          Not a great idea to name an award as inquisitor :) It has a negative overtone.

          – Ubi hatt
          Apr 2 at 14:26











        • Good, but non-native speakers can be confused and even offended. Plus, imagine such an award hanging on your wall: "Martin Smith is the best inquisitor". Sounds scary, I would not display such an award in my office.

          – Alexander Gelbukh
          Apr 2 at 14:26






        • 1





          Personally, it brings to mind the secret police of the Imperium of Mankind from Warhammer 40k.

          – nick012000
          Apr 3 at 3:12






        • 3





          Nobody would expect that

          – dkwarr87
          Apr 4 at 9:49






        • 1





          @dkwarr87 especially if the people who receive that award are Spanish.

          – VLAZ
          Apr 5 at 7:13












        • 6





          Not a great idea to name an award as inquisitor :) It has a negative overtone.

          – Ubi hatt
          Apr 2 at 14:26











        • Good, but non-native speakers can be confused and even offended. Plus, imagine such an award hanging on your wall: "Martin Smith is the best inquisitor". Sounds scary, I would not display such an award in my office.

          – Alexander Gelbukh
          Apr 2 at 14:26






        • 1





          Personally, it brings to mind the secret police of the Imperium of Mankind from Warhammer 40k.

          – nick012000
          Apr 3 at 3:12






        • 3





          Nobody would expect that

          – dkwarr87
          Apr 4 at 9:49






        • 1





          @dkwarr87 especially if the people who receive that award are Spanish.

          – VLAZ
          Apr 5 at 7:13







        6




        6





        Not a great idea to name an award as inquisitor :) It has a negative overtone.

        – Ubi hatt
        Apr 2 at 14:26





        Not a great idea to name an award as inquisitor :) It has a negative overtone.

        – Ubi hatt
        Apr 2 at 14:26













        Good, but non-native speakers can be confused and even offended. Plus, imagine such an award hanging on your wall: "Martin Smith is the best inquisitor". Sounds scary, I would not display such an award in my office.

        – Alexander Gelbukh
        Apr 2 at 14:26





        Good, but non-native speakers can be confused and even offended. Plus, imagine such an award hanging on your wall: "Martin Smith is the best inquisitor". Sounds scary, I would not display such an award in my office.

        – Alexander Gelbukh
        Apr 2 at 14:26




        1




        1





        Personally, it brings to mind the secret police of the Imperium of Mankind from Warhammer 40k.

        – nick012000
        Apr 3 at 3:12





        Personally, it brings to mind the secret police of the Imperium of Mankind from Warhammer 40k.

        – nick012000
        Apr 3 at 3:12




        3




        3





        Nobody would expect that

        – dkwarr87
        Apr 4 at 9:49





        Nobody would expect that

        – dkwarr87
        Apr 4 at 9:49




        1




        1





        @dkwarr87 especially if the people who receive that award are Spanish.

        – VLAZ
        Apr 5 at 7:13





        @dkwarr87 especially if the people who receive that award are Spanish.

        – VLAZ
        Apr 5 at 7:13











        1














        You might need to make up a word. Some words simply do not have straightforward translations. In German kindergarten names, they sometimes translate почемучка as Warumka ("why-ka") . But in that situation some of the context is quite obvious, e.g. that the word is meant to be cute and that it is some kind of non-native word.






        share|improve this answer



























          1














          You might need to make up a word. Some words simply do not have straightforward translations. In German kindergarten names, they sometimes translate почемучка as Warumka ("why-ka") . But in that situation some of the context is quite obvious, e.g. that the word is meant to be cute and that it is some kind of non-native word.






          share|improve this answer

























            1












            1








            1







            You might need to make up a word. Some words simply do not have straightforward translations. In German kindergarten names, they sometimes translate почемучка as Warumka ("why-ka") . But in that situation some of the context is quite obvious, e.g. that the word is meant to be cute and that it is some kind of non-native word.






            share|improve this answer













            You might need to make up a word. Some words simply do not have straightforward translations. In German kindergarten names, they sometimes translate почемучка as Warumka ("why-ka") . But in that situation some of the context is quite obvious, e.g. that the word is meant to be cute and that it is some kind of non-native word.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Apr 3 at 5:00









            JanJan

            191




            191





















                1














                You can try:



                Best wonderer

                A bit more whimsical, but a wonderer is someone who is curious about things.1




                1. ✔ocabulary.com






                share|improve this answer

























                • Best wonderer is nice, best gumshoe is very unlikely to be understood by non-native speakers

                  – Pierre Arlaud
                  Apr 3 at 7:41











                • I suspect many people will confuse wonderer with wanderer, especially in speech.

                  – Michael Kay
                  Apr 5 at 7:43















                1














                You can try:



                Best wonderer

                A bit more whimsical, but a wonderer is someone who is curious about things.1




                1. ✔ocabulary.com






                share|improve this answer

























                • Best wonderer is nice, best gumshoe is very unlikely to be understood by non-native speakers

                  – Pierre Arlaud
                  Apr 3 at 7:41











                • I suspect many people will confuse wonderer with wanderer, especially in speech.

                  – Michael Kay
                  Apr 5 at 7:43













                1












                1








                1







                You can try:



                Best wonderer

                A bit more whimsical, but a wonderer is someone who is curious about things.1




                1. ✔ocabulary.com






                share|improve this answer















                You can try:



                Best wonderer

                A bit more whimsical, but a wonderer is someone who is curious about things.1




                1. ✔ocabulary.com







                share|improve this answer














                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer








                edited Apr 3 at 20:18

























                answered Apr 2 at 20:38









                jxhjxh

                9,2111547




                9,2111547












                • Best wonderer is nice, best gumshoe is very unlikely to be understood by non-native speakers

                  – Pierre Arlaud
                  Apr 3 at 7:41











                • I suspect many people will confuse wonderer with wanderer, especially in speech.

                  – Michael Kay
                  Apr 5 at 7:43

















                • Best wonderer is nice, best gumshoe is very unlikely to be understood by non-native speakers

                  – Pierre Arlaud
                  Apr 3 at 7:41











                • I suspect many people will confuse wonderer with wanderer, especially in speech.

                  – Michael Kay
                  Apr 5 at 7:43
















                Best wonderer is nice, best gumshoe is very unlikely to be understood by non-native speakers

                – Pierre Arlaud
                Apr 3 at 7:41





                Best wonderer is nice, best gumshoe is very unlikely to be understood by non-native speakers

                – Pierre Arlaud
                Apr 3 at 7:41













                I suspect many people will confuse wonderer with wanderer, especially in speech.

                – Michael Kay
                Apr 5 at 7:43





                I suspect many people will confuse wonderer with wanderer, especially in speech.

                – Michael Kay
                Apr 5 at 7:43











                1














                As you've indicated a wish for a light-hearted gender neutral investitive (yes that's deliberately not investigative) noun I would propose



                Questioneer n. (Much in the same vein as Buccaneer) but pronounced question-ear



                Definition A person who benefits by asking pertinent questions that add to the greater good. (from KJO's Directory of malapropisms :-)






                share|improve this answer























                • I wonder if native speakers know this word and feel the difference from questioner. A quick Google search suggests that no, and does not help to figure out the meaning of this word, unless one happens to find the dictionary that you mention.

                  – Alexander Gelbukh
                  Apr 4 at 1:27











                • An inquisitive non-native speaker may not see the humour if they are that serious about finding a truth but coupled with a badge on a pirates hat might understand the triple entendre. :-)

                  – KJO
                  Apr 4 at 1:34















                1














                As you've indicated a wish for a light-hearted gender neutral investitive (yes that's deliberately not investigative) noun I would propose



                Questioneer n. (Much in the same vein as Buccaneer) but pronounced question-ear



                Definition A person who benefits by asking pertinent questions that add to the greater good. (from KJO's Directory of malapropisms :-)






                share|improve this answer























                • I wonder if native speakers know this word and feel the difference from questioner. A quick Google search suggests that no, and does not help to figure out the meaning of this word, unless one happens to find the dictionary that you mention.

                  – Alexander Gelbukh
                  Apr 4 at 1:27











                • An inquisitive non-native speaker may not see the humour if they are that serious about finding a truth but coupled with a badge on a pirates hat might understand the triple entendre. :-)

                  – KJO
                  Apr 4 at 1:34













                1












                1








                1







                As you've indicated a wish for a light-hearted gender neutral investitive (yes that's deliberately not investigative) noun I would propose



                Questioneer n. (Much in the same vein as Buccaneer) but pronounced question-ear



                Definition A person who benefits by asking pertinent questions that add to the greater good. (from KJO's Directory of malapropisms :-)






                share|improve this answer













                As you've indicated a wish for a light-hearted gender neutral investitive (yes that's deliberately not investigative) noun I would propose



                Questioneer n. (Much in the same vein as Buccaneer) but pronounced question-ear



                Definition A person who benefits by asking pertinent questions that add to the greater good. (from KJO's Directory of malapropisms :-)







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Apr 3 at 23:40









                KJOKJO

                2,976421




                2,976421












                • I wonder if native speakers know this word and feel the difference from questioner. A quick Google search suggests that no, and does not help to figure out the meaning of this word, unless one happens to find the dictionary that you mention.

                  – Alexander Gelbukh
                  Apr 4 at 1:27











                • An inquisitive non-native speaker may not see the humour if they are that serious about finding a truth but coupled with a badge on a pirates hat might understand the triple entendre. :-)

                  – KJO
                  Apr 4 at 1:34

















                • I wonder if native speakers know this word and feel the difference from questioner. A quick Google search suggests that no, and does not help to figure out the meaning of this word, unless one happens to find the dictionary that you mention.

                  – Alexander Gelbukh
                  Apr 4 at 1:27











                • An inquisitive non-native speaker may not see the humour if they are that serious about finding a truth but coupled with a badge on a pirates hat might understand the triple entendre. :-)

                  – KJO
                  Apr 4 at 1:34
















                I wonder if native speakers know this word and feel the difference from questioner. A quick Google search suggests that no, and does not help to figure out the meaning of this word, unless one happens to find the dictionary that you mention.

                – Alexander Gelbukh
                Apr 4 at 1:27





                I wonder if native speakers know this word and feel the difference from questioner. A quick Google search suggests that no, and does not help to figure out the meaning of this word, unless one happens to find the dictionary that you mention.

                – Alexander Gelbukh
                Apr 4 at 1:27













                An inquisitive non-native speaker may not see the humour if they are that serious about finding a truth but coupled with a badge on a pirates hat might understand the triple entendre. :-)

                – KJO
                Apr 4 at 1:34





                An inquisitive non-native speaker may not see the humour if they are that serious about finding a truth but coupled with a badge on a pirates hat might understand the triple entendre. :-)

                – KJO
                Apr 4 at 1:34











                1














                I'm going to suggest Grand Inquisitor:




                Grand Inquisitor (Latin: Inquisitor Generalis, literally Inquisitor
                General or General Inquisitor) was the lead official of the
                Inquisition. The title usually refers to the chief inquisitor of the
                Spanish Inquisition, even after the reunification of the inquisitions.
                Secretaries-general of the Roman Inquisition were often styled as
                Grand Inquisitor but the role and functions were different.




                The title has also been used in a Dostoevsky poem, and in numerous Star Wars episodes, so it's well-known.






                share|improve this answer























                • I'm not sure "Grand Inquisitor" has strictly positive connotations. And I especially don't think it's associated with "eager to learn". I'd grant you that it's humorous but I'm not sure it's appropriate.

                  – VLAZ
                  Apr 5 at 7:17











                • The Spanish Inquisition (something people in many countries would first think of when they hear the word Inquisitor) has a very negative connotation, more or less like, say, Gestapo.

                  – Rudy Velthuis
                  Apr 5 at 10:24












                • @VLAZ - I think in the context of humorous awards being given at a conference it would go over very well. And it might provide the inspiration to make some of the other award titles less tedious.

                  – Hot Licks
                  Apr 5 at 11:39















                1














                I'm going to suggest Grand Inquisitor:




                Grand Inquisitor (Latin: Inquisitor Generalis, literally Inquisitor
                General or General Inquisitor) was the lead official of the
                Inquisition. The title usually refers to the chief inquisitor of the
                Spanish Inquisition, even after the reunification of the inquisitions.
                Secretaries-general of the Roman Inquisition were often styled as
                Grand Inquisitor but the role and functions were different.




                The title has also been used in a Dostoevsky poem, and in numerous Star Wars episodes, so it's well-known.






                share|improve this answer























                • I'm not sure "Grand Inquisitor" has strictly positive connotations. And I especially don't think it's associated with "eager to learn". I'd grant you that it's humorous but I'm not sure it's appropriate.

                  – VLAZ
                  Apr 5 at 7:17











                • The Spanish Inquisition (something people in many countries would first think of when they hear the word Inquisitor) has a very negative connotation, more or less like, say, Gestapo.

                  – Rudy Velthuis
                  Apr 5 at 10:24












                • @VLAZ - I think in the context of humorous awards being given at a conference it would go over very well. And it might provide the inspiration to make some of the other award titles less tedious.

                  – Hot Licks
                  Apr 5 at 11:39













                1












                1








                1







                I'm going to suggest Grand Inquisitor:




                Grand Inquisitor (Latin: Inquisitor Generalis, literally Inquisitor
                General or General Inquisitor) was the lead official of the
                Inquisition. The title usually refers to the chief inquisitor of the
                Spanish Inquisition, even after the reunification of the inquisitions.
                Secretaries-general of the Roman Inquisition were often styled as
                Grand Inquisitor but the role and functions were different.




                The title has also been used in a Dostoevsky poem, and in numerous Star Wars episodes, so it's well-known.






                share|improve this answer













                I'm going to suggest Grand Inquisitor:




                Grand Inquisitor (Latin: Inquisitor Generalis, literally Inquisitor
                General or General Inquisitor) was the lead official of the
                Inquisition. The title usually refers to the chief inquisitor of the
                Spanish Inquisition, even after the reunification of the inquisitions.
                Secretaries-general of the Roman Inquisition were often styled as
                Grand Inquisitor but the role and functions were different.




                The title has also been used in a Dostoevsky poem, and in numerous Star Wars episodes, so it's well-known.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Apr 4 at 12:13









                Hot LicksHot Licks

                19.7k23778




                19.7k23778












                • I'm not sure "Grand Inquisitor" has strictly positive connotations. And I especially don't think it's associated with "eager to learn". I'd grant you that it's humorous but I'm not sure it's appropriate.

                  – VLAZ
                  Apr 5 at 7:17











                • The Spanish Inquisition (something people in many countries would first think of when they hear the word Inquisitor) has a very negative connotation, more or less like, say, Gestapo.

                  – Rudy Velthuis
                  Apr 5 at 10:24












                • @VLAZ - I think in the context of humorous awards being given at a conference it would go over very well. And it might provide the inspiration to make some of the other award titles less tedious.

                  – Hot Licks
                  Apr 5 at 11:39

















                • I'm not sure "Grand Inquisitor" has strictly positive connotations. And I especially don't think it's associated with "eager to learn". I'd grant you that it's humorous but I'm not sure it's appropriate.

                  – VLAZ
                  Apr 5 at 7:17











                • The Spanish Inquisition (something people in many countries would first think of when they hear the word Inquisitor) has a very negative connotation, more or less like, say, Gestapo.

                  – Rudy Velthuis
                  Apr 5 at 10:24












                • @VLAZ - I think in the context of humorous awards being given at a conference it would go over very well. And it might provide the inspiration to make some of the other award titles less tedious.

                  – Hot Licks
                  Apr 5 at 11:39
















                I'm not sure "Grand Inquisitor" has strictly positive connotations. And I especially don't think it's associated with "eager to learn". I'd grant you that it's humorous but I'm not sure it's appropriate.

                – VLAZ
                Apr 5 at 7:17





                I'm not sure "Grand Inquisitor" has strictly positive connotations. And I especially don't think it's associated with "eager to learn". I'd grant you that it's humorous but I'm not sure it's appropriate.

                – VLAZ
                Apr 5 at 7:17













                The Spanish Inquisition (something people in many countries would first think of when they hear the word Inquisitor) has a very negative connotation, more or less like, say, Gestapo.

                – Rudy Velthuis
                Apr 5 at 10:24






                The Spanish Inquisition (something people in many countries would first think of when they hear the word Inquisitor) has a very negative connotation, more or less like, say, Gestapo.

                – Rudy Velthuis
                Apr 5 at 10:24














                @VLAZ - I think in the context of humorous awards being given at a conference it would go over very well. And it might provide the inspiration to make some of the other award titles less tedious.

                – Hot Licks
                Apr 5 at 11:39





                @VLAZ - I think in the context of humorous awards being given at a conference it would go over very well. And it might provide the inspiration to make some of the other award titles less tedious.

                – Hot Licks
                Apr 5 at 11:39











                1














                How about just Best questions?



                While it is not term for the person, I think it would fit the other awards, as they all are about the end results: paper, presentation and poster, not the individual who made the contribution. It is also clearly positive, though it has more focus on the quality of the questions rather than amount of the questions. However, if this is not too serious award, I don't think that is too big of a problem, especially if it is questions in plural and not just best question. And on the other hand, I think you would not want to award somebody who just spams pointless questions.



                Most obvious drawback is that it is neutral/serious rather than humorous.






                share|improve this answer



























                  1














                  How about just Best questions?



                  While it is not term for the person, I think it would fit the other awards, as they all are about the end results: paper, presentation and poster, not the individual who made the contribution. It is also clearly positive, though it has more focus on the quality of the questions rather than amount of the questions. However, if this is not too serious award, I don't think that is too big of a problem, especially if it is questions in plural and not just best question. And on the other hand, I think you would not want to award somebody who just spams pointless questions.



                  Most obvious drawback is that it is neutral/serious rather than humorous.






                  share|improve this answer

























                    1












                    1








                    1







                    How about just Best questions?



                    While it is not term for the person, I think it would fit the other awards, as they all are about the end results: paper, presentation and poster, not the individual who made the contribution. It is also clearly positive, though it has more focus on the quality of the questions rather than amount of the questions. However, if this is not too serious award, I don't think that is too big of a problem, especially if it is questions in plural and not just best question. And on the other hand, I think you would not want to award somebody who just spams pointless questions.



                    Most obvious drawback is that it is neutral/serious rather than humorous.






                    share|improve this answer













                    How about just Best questions?



                    While it is not term for the person, I think it would fit the other awards, as they all are about the end results: paper, presentation and poster, not the individual who made the contribution. It is also clearly positive, though it has more focus on the quality of the questions rather than amount of the questions. However, if this is not too serious award, I don't think that is too big of a problem, especially if it is questions in plural and not just best question. And on the other hand, I think you would not want to award somebody who just spams pointless questions.



                    Most obvious drawback is that it is neutral/serious rather than humorous.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Apr 4 at 12:53









                    MerMer

                    111




                    111





















                        0














                        You might consider



                        questionist



                        from the OED:



                        1. A (habitual or systematic) questioner, spec. in theological matters.
                          Now rare.In early use applied to certain Scholastic philosophers, such
                          as Aquinas and Duns Scotus.


                        2. At the universities of Cambridge and Harvard: an undergraduate in the
                          last term before final examinations. Now hist.


                        This, I think, is now jocular, which may fit your purpose.






                        share|improve this answer



























                          0














                          You might consider



                          questionist



                          from the OED:



                          1. A (habitual or systematic) questioner, spec. in theological matters.
                            Now rare.In early use applied to certain Scholastic philosophers, such
                            as Aquinas and Duns Scotus.


                          2. At the universities of Cambridge and Harvard: an undergraduate in the
                            last term before final examinations. Now hist.


                          This, I think, is now jocular, which may fit your purpose.






                          share|improve this answer

























                            0












                            0








                            0







                            You might consider



                            questionist



                            from the OED:



                            1. A (habitual or systematic) questioner, spec. in theological matters.
                              Now rare.In early use applied to certain Scholastic philosophers, such
                              as Aquinas and Duns Scotus.


                            2. At the universities of Cambridge and Harvard: an undergraduate in the
                              last term before final examinations. Now hist.


                            This, I think, is now jocular, which may fit your purpose.






                            share|improve this answer













                            You might consider



                            questionist



                            from the OED:



                            1. A (habitual or systematic) questioner, spec. in theological matters.
                              Now rare.In early use applied to certain Scholastic philosophers, such
                              as Aquinas and Duns Scotus.


                            2. At the universities of Cambridge and Harvard: an undergraduate in the
                              last term before final examinations. Now hist.


                            This, I think, is now jocular, which may fit your purpose.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Apr 3 at 20:39









                            ToothrotToothrot

                            681624




                            681624





















                                -2














                                You could consider Best Poser



                                Punning on pose as in (from OED):




                                Raise (a question or matter for consideration) ‘the statement posed more questions than it answered’




                                And also poser as in (from OED):




                                A person who poses; a poseur.




                                Emphasising the potential attention-grabbing nature of questioning.



                                This depends on exactly the kind of light-hearted tone you're after though, and punning with non-native speakers can be a minefield you might want to avoid, especially with the slight negative connotations in the latter definition.






                                share|improve this answer


















                                • 2





                                  Poser is strongly related to the idea of someone acting like other people to fit in. It's kind of a negative term.

                                  – Aethenosity
                                  Apr 4 at 14:51











                                • I don't think I'd ever think of "poser" as "somebody who poses question". I doubt anybody will. It may work from strictly dictionary definition but it's not in any way a common usage.

                                  – VLAZ
                                  Apr 5 at 7:12















                                -2














                                You could consider Best Poser



                                Punning on pose as in (from OED):




                                Raise (a question or matter for consideration) ‘the statement posed more questions than it answered’




                                And also poser as in (from OED):




                                A person who poses; a poseur.




                                Emphasising the potential attention-grabbing nature of questioning.



                                This depends on exactly the kind of light-hearted tone you're after though, and punning with non-native speakers can be a minefield you might want to avoid, especially with the slight negative connotations in the latter definition.






                                share|improve this answer


















                                • 2





                                  Poser is strongly related to the idea of someone acting like other people to fit in. It's kind of a negative term.

                                  – Aethenosity
                                  Apr 4 at 14:51











                                • I don't think I'd ever think of "poser" as "somebody who poses question". I doubt anybody will. It may work from strictly dictionary definition but it's not in any way a common usage.

                                  – VLAZ
                                  Apr 5 at 7:12













                                -2












                                -2








                                -2







                                You could consider Best Poser



                                Punning on pose as in (from OED):




                                Raise (a question or matter for consideration) ‘the statement posed more questions than it answered’




                                And also poser as in (from OED):




                                A person who poses; a poseur.




                                Emphasising the potential attention-grabbing nature of questioning.



                                This depends on exactly the kind of light-hearted tone you're after though, and punning with non-native speakers can be a minefield you might want to avoid, especially with the slight negative connotations in the latter definition.






                                share|improve this answer













                                You could consider Best Poser



                                Punning on pose as in (from OED):




                                Raise (a question or matter for consideration) ‘the statement posed more questions than it answered’




                                And also poser as in (from OED):




                                A person who poses; a poseur.




                                Emphasising the potential attention-grabbing nature of questioning.



                                This depends on exactly the kind of light-hearted tone you're after though, and punning with non-native speakers can be a minefield you might want to avoid, especially with the slight negative connotations in the latter definition.







                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered Apr 4 at 10:15









                                CriminallyVulgarCriminallyVulgar

                                971




                                971







                                • 2





                                  Poser is strongly related to the idea of someone acting like other people to fit in. It's kind of a negative term.

                                  – Aethenosity
                                  Apr 4 at 14:51











                                • I don't think I'd ever think of "poser" as "somebody who poses question". I doubt anybody will. It may work from strictly dictionary definition but it's not in any way a common usage.

                                  – VLAZ
                                  Apr 5 at 7:12












                                • 2





                                  Poser is strongly related to the idea of someone acting like other people to fit in. It's kind of a negative term.

                                  – Aethenosity
                                  Apr 4 at 14:51











                                • I don't think I'd ever think of "poser" as "somebody who poses question". I doubt anybody will. It may work from strictly dictionary definition but it's not in any way a common usage.

                                  – VLAZ
                                  Apr 5 at 7:12







                                2




                                2





                                Poser is strongly related to the idea of someone acting like other people to fit in. It's kind of a negative term.

                                – Aethenosity
                                Apr 4 at 14:51





                                Poser is strongly related to the idea of someone acting like other people to fit in. It's kind of a negative term.

                                – Aethenosity
                                Apr 4 at 14:51













                                I don't think I'd ever think of "poser" as "somebody who poses question". I doubt anybody will. It may work from strictly dictionary definition but it's not in any way a common usage.

                                – VLAZ
                                Apr 5 at 7:12





                                I don't think I'd ever think of "poser" as "somebody who poses question". I doubt anybody will. It may work from strictly dictionary definition but it's not in any way a common usage.

                                – VLAZ
                                Apr 5 at 7:12

















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