Every so often, a conversation arises where someone is accused of being either a geek or a nerd, and about 95% of the time, the designation is incorrect. It’s at this point where I make a decision – correct the info and “risk” being called a nerd, or grin and bear it and hope the conversation segues into another topic.
And that brings us here – the reason for this particular blog post.
The diagram above clarifies things visually, but let’s gets down to business.
Nerd – A nerd is a person who is very knowledgeable in an academic subject – they are practitioners. Typically, a nerd is portrayed as being intelligent, obsessed with a subject, and displays a bit of social ineptitude, which means they are socially awkward.
Geek – A geek is a person who is an enthusiast of a particular subject. They are fans, and fans collect stuff. Typically, a geek is portrayed as being intelligent and obsessed.
Dork – A dork is not too good of a term unless the dork is aware that they are a dork – then it’s funny. Today, dorks are described as people who do silly, ridiculous things. Based on the diagram above, they are typically portrayed as being obsessed (with what?) and are socially inept.
Dweeb – Out of the four, this one is the least favourable to be called. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a dweeb is someone who is boring, studious, or socially inept. The diagram indicates that dweebs are also considered intelligent – though I beg to differ.
I’m sure people will have strong opinions on these distinctions. In my opinion, nerds and geeks are the new
“cool kids”, but that’s my bias surfacing as I fall a little bit into both categories.
And that brings us here – the reason for this particular blog post.
The diagram above clarifies things visually, but let’s gets down to business.
Nerd – A nerd is a person who is very knowledgeable in an academic subject – they are practitioners. Typically, a nerd is portrayed as being intelligent, obsessed with a subject, and displays a bit of social ineptitude, which means they are socially awkward.
Geek – A geek is a person who is an enthusiast of a particular subject. They are fans, and fans collect stuff. Typically, a geek is portrayed as being intelligent and obsessed.
Dork – A dork is not too good of a term unless the dork is aware that they are a dork – then it’s funny. Today, dorks are described as people who do silly, ridiculous things. Based on the diagram above, they are typically portrayed as being obsessed (with what?) and are socially inept.
Dweeb – Out of the four, this one is the least favourable to be called. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a dweeb is someone who is boring, studious, or socially inept. The diagram indicates that dweebs are also considered intelligent – though I beg to differ.
I’m sure people will have strong opinions on these distinctions. In my opinion, nerds and geeks are the new
“cool kids”, but that’s my bias surfacing as I fall a little bit into both categories.
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