Pundit

The term "pundit" refers to a person who provides opinion or commentary on a certain topic area to the mainstream media (most typically politics, the social sciences, technology or sport).

The name derives from the Sanskrit word pandit, which literally translates as "possessor of knowledge" or "educated man." It refers to someone who is well-versed in a variety of subjects, who conducts religious ceremonies, and who provides advice to the king. It is most commonly used to refer to someone from the Hindu Brahmin caste, but it may also refer to Siddhas, Siddhars, Naths, Ascetics, Sadhus, or Yogis, among other people (rishi).

Since at least the early nineteenth century, a Pundit of the Supreme Court in Colonial India has been an official of the court who has provided advice to British judges on matters of Hindu law and tradition. When used in Anglo-Indian contexts, pundit was also used to refer to a native of India who had been taught and hired by the British to explore inhospitable territories beyond the British border.

Even in nightly newscasts on American cable news networks, punditry has become a more common mode of expression. Popular commentators such as Bill O'Reilly of Fox News Channel were the first to express partisanship in their commentary. His opinion-oriented style has helped him achieve ratings success, and it has inspired others, such as Bill Maher, Keith Olbermann, and Nancy Grace, to voice their own views on a variety of topics on their own shows as a result.

If a "pundit" or colour commentator is paired with a play-by-play announcer, the latter will explain the action while simultaneously asking the pundit for his or her thoughts.