Talk:Geek
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Dork?
"::Note: When geek is used in this way, nerd and dork may be used to denote subcategories of geek. In this light, nerd typically refers to someone who has a devotion to modern-science-based subject matter (science fiction, computers, the internet, etc.), whereas a dork's knowledge would fall in the realm of the social sciences. "
Dork usually means someone like a nerd, but without the intelligence. Or at least, that's how I've heard it used. Dork is just a generally derogatory word- in fact, it used to be a reference to the male set of genitals. So this statement (though I might be biased as a social science major) should be excised. Dork really isn't the same as nerd or geek.
On a tangent, I always saw geeks as "technical" while nerds are more "wordy". That is, a geek is more physical in his love of a topic, a nerd tends to be more mental- i.e. building a computer versus reading about boolean logic. But like a Venn diagram, the two- nerd and geek-tend to overlap.
Geeks are not nerds!!!
Geeks are people who try to be nerds who aren't! Nerds are smart and brainy, who learn physics when they are in 6th grade. Geeks play Nintendo while Nerds study what actually is the meaning of life and when did the universe begin and how. NERDS RULE! -80
Nerds are book-smart.
Geeks are world-smart. -kcbnac
Now this is pointless, now everyone will flame in here to redefine the language, non-nerds as observed by me(on a group of about 30 people), use those words interchargeably, all right it is nerdy/geeky to be picky about words...he-he...In (post-)soviet Russia study physics from 5-th grade whatever they want it or not :-)
One way or another I see some point to have a distinct word for a physics or computer nerd and a gamer but it is definitely NOT up to Wikipedians. Cheers guys, Gnomz007 00:41, 17 Apr 2005 (UTC)
Perceptions of Geeks and Nerds
I'm not trying to insult or judge here but that last comment seems somewhat enraged and not completely thought out.
Although the terms "geek" and "nerd" are traditionally negative in meaning, this is starting to change and the lines between them starting to dissolve. I agree that "nerds" tend to be more "book-smart" whereas "geeks" tend to be more "world-smart", but many geeks have been learning "physics when they are in 6th grade" and studying "the universe begin and how". For example, I used to look up things such as String Theory and Relativity in high school because they interested me.
I've seen this effect especially in Grade 12 and university level Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, where many call themselves Geeks and Nerds. The new perception is that these people can do damn-well in both life and school. This is more so for geeks than for nerds.
Ofcourse the use varies from region to region. To give you some perspective here: I'm from Ontario, Canada. Perhaps others could post their experiences here as well?
Also of interest is BestBuy (http://www.bestbuy.com/), a typical retailer of computers, video games, etc. Their recent advertisements feature the arrival of the "Geek Squad", invincible techno-heroes who will fix your problems.
Sites such as Think Geek (http://www.thinkgeek.com) and SlashDot (http://www.slashdot.org) celebrate "geekiness" and "nerdiness" as honourable and unique qualities. Among some circles it has almost become a "club" where high interest, knowledge and skills are required to obtain the title.
Geeks and nerds are also associated with l33tsp33k (leetspeak).
Many geeks and nerds also like to publicize their love of science-fiction and sophistication (think Star Wars, Star Trek, Star Gate, etc).
I don't have the time to do it myself, but I'd like someone to elaborate on what I just said above. Maybe I will when I have time. I'd also like to see some information on use of the words "geek" and "nerd" in bullying in early childhood.
- FarazSyed
Lonely, who's lonely?
I'm a geek and I'm not lonely. Many of my friends are geeks too. That means lots of us are not lonely. The rest of my friends are not geeks, so don't try the "ah, but they're just geek friends" argument on me (sorry, getting my defensiveness in first). Anyway, if you've got a computer you're never lonely. Multiply that by however many computers you've got and you'll see my point.
So I'm taking out the "lonely" slur. --FrankP 12:22, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)
As to nerds (above), I identify with the category "geek" myself, but respect the right of those who do not reach the required standard to choose the lesser category of "nerd". <Flameproof clothing on now>
Figure skaters are geeks?
- For many years, the sport of figure skating has been thought of as geeky, due to the musical preference of most skaters. Many figure skaters are also bookworms, staying shut up in their rooms reading endless books about their sport of choice. For this reason, figure skaters are generally avoided and looked down upon in modern society.
I'm sorry, is this for real? I don't have a problem believing that male figure skaters will be considered "gay", since it's closely related to ballet, but "geek"? And I thought figure skaters would need hours of physical training and dance practice to stay in shape, not spend those hours locked in their rooms reading books. --Pc13 18:33, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Redundancy With Nerd
There's an incredible amount of potential redundancy between the geek and nerd articles; outside of a historical overview, the majority of content in each (especially nerd) applies to both. I'm seriously considering the possibility that the two should be merged. Thoughts? (I'm posting this to the Talk pages of both articles.) - Korpios 08:39, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Geeks are too cool to be nerds
Not only are Geeks smart, swank, and sweet, we have our own Corps too, Geekcorps (http://www.geekcorps.org/) and even a Geekhalla (http://www.geekhalla.com). Nerds will never have a 'Nerd Corps" and neither will dorks.
Geeks are different. Geeks are cool.
King of the Geeks - 16 Dec 2004