Apr 2 2006

Geek vs Nerd

Category: Personal — Rory Primrose @ 07:09

What is the difference between geeks and nerds?

I have heard this one hit around a few times in the last couple of years. If I have to pick one of these for myself, I would say I was a geek rather than a nerd. Nerd just doesn't seem to fit. Not that I have anything against nerds, but I can't stand it if someone calls me a nerd. Geek isn't so bad, but I would prefer not to be called either.

To fit my view of the world, I like to think that geek = nerd + social skills. To counter that, my wife says (in jest) that geek = nerd - intelligence.

What's your view?

BTW, she also said that putting this question out to the blogging community is a bit of a skewed sample, so you should also ask any non geek/nerds in your life. [:D]

Tags:

Comments (4) -

1.
Frank Arrigo Frank Arrigo says:
Sunday, April 02, 2006 at 6:36 PM

i tackled this a few weeks ago - radio.weblogs.com/0124955/2006/03/15.html#a1036

A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.
A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one.
A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.

I am 65 % Nerd, 86% Geek, 60% Dork

2.
Thomas Williams Thomas Williams says:
Tuesday, April 04, 2006 at 8:44 PM

Hey Rory - I believe if you are thinking about what is the difference, then you're a nerd Smile

He he he...me, I practically introduce myself as a geek. Can't imagine being called a nerd though.

Cheers,

Thomas

3.
a different Tom a different Tom says:
Saturday, April 08, 2006 at 8:16 AM

Perhaps if one thought of it as a contuum, but as just 1 of many threads ( first finely chop your metaphor).

mass of humanity---------> geek ------------------ nerd

additional variables to consider at the nerd end might be, lack of insight as to being a nerd (dependent upon external cues to determine category); manner of dress and types of clothes worn; ablution functions and personal hygeine.

Notice i didn't include intelligence? The fact of an enquiring mind does necessarily link to intelligence per se. (What would be the difference between a nosey bugger and an enquiring mind then - is the bottle half full or half empty?)

Also it would appear that the bespectacled, domed headed creature called nerd is more of a myth than a reality. Mens sana, mens corpore appears to be the truth of the matter.

And then there are those who appear to eschew the continuum and just go blythely on their way wherever that takes them.


Good grief Charlie Brown! I could write a PhD on this.

4.
Trommo Trommo says:
Monday, May 01, 2006 at 10:16 AM

Rory,

You're not a nerd.  But you are a geek.  That's a compliment.

Smile

P.S:  You make a fine waiter.

Add comment

  Country flag

biuquote
  • Comment
  • Preview
Loading