What Is The Difference Between a Geek and a Nerd?

The Kings Daughter · Post by **The Kings Daughter** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 3:36 pm

I am curious as to what you all think the difference between a geek and a nerd is.

(And no, we are not talking about candy.

)

So, dicuss! (Mods, fill free to move this elsewhere if you think it should be.)

UNCLEBITTLES · Post by **UNCLEBITTLES** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 3:48 pm

i dont know

TigerintheShadows · Post by **TigerintheShadows** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 4:17 pm

A geek is generally considered to be someone who has like, freakish amounts of skill in a particular area--for example, someone who is very talented at music in general (singing, playing an instrument, music theory, etc.) can be known as a music geek. Nerd, however, is generally a derogatory term applied to someone who is either boringly studious or simply has his/her nose buried in a book constantly. In addition, nerds are also generally classified as having little to no social skills. So if someone's saying someone is a geek, it's a compliment. Nerd, however, is an insult.

The Kings Daughter · Post by **The Kings Daughter** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 5:16 pm

TigerintheShadows wrote:A geek is generally considered to be someone who has like, freakish amounts of skill in a particular area--for example, someone who is very talented at music in general (singing, playing an instrument, music theory, etc.) can be known as a music geek. Nerd, however, is generally a derogatory term applied to someone who is either boringly studious or simply has his/her nose buried in a book constantly. In addition, nerds are also generally classified as having little to no social skills.

So if someone's saying someone is a geek, it's a compliment. Nerd, however, is an insult.

Unless it's the candy.

Okay, thank you Tiger!

Jennifer Doyle · Post by **Jennifer Doyle** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 10:53 pm

Geeks end up making more money.

EMBEE · Post by **EMBEE** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 6:50 am

Then I'm both a geek and a nerd. $\:D/$

Post by **StrongNChrist** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:53 am

Wikipedia's definations of Geek and Nerd:

Geek:

A derogatory reference to a person obsessed with intellectual pursuits for their own sake, who is also deficient in most other human attributes so as to impair the person's smooth operation within society.
A person who is interested in technology, especially computing and new media. Geeks are adept with computers, and use the term hacker in a positive way, though not all are hackers themselves.
A person who relates academic subjects to the real world outside of academic studies; for example, using multivariate calculus to determine how they should correctly optimize the dimensions of a pan to bake a cake.
A person who has chosen concentration rather than conformity; one who passionately pursues skill (especially technical skill) and imagination, not mainstream social acceptance.
A person with a devotion to something in a way that places him or her outside the mainstream. This could be due to the intensity, depth, or subject of their interest. This definition is very broad but because many of these interests have mainstream endorsement and acceptance, the inclusion of some genres as "geeky" is heavily debated. Persons have been labeled as or chosen to identify as physics geeks, mathematics geeks, engineering geeks, sci-fi geeks, computer geeks, various science geeks, movie and film geeks (cinephile), comic book geeks, theater geeks, history geeks, music geeks, art geeks, philosophy geeks, literature geeks, historical reenactment geeks, 2012 geeks, video game geeks, and roleplay geeks.
A more recent school of thought sees nerd as being a derogatory phrase, whilst geek is simply a description[citation needed]. It is taken to be someone who is an enthusiast, often in things outside of the mainstream spectrum. It may also describe immersion in a particular mainstream interest to an extreme that is beyond normalcy (e.g. sports geek)[citation needed]. Of note is that in this definition, there is no reference to being socially inept in the slightest

Nerd:

Nerd is a term, often bearing a derogatory connotation or stereotype, that refers to a person who avidly pursues intellectual activities, technical or scientific endeavors, esoteric knowledge, or other obscure interests, rather than engaging in more social or conventional activities. The nerd may be awkward, shy and unattractive.Therefore, a nerd is often excluded from physical activity and considered a loner by peers, or will tend to associate with like-minded people.

The Kings Daughter · Post by **The Kings Daughter** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 10:58 am

Wow...thanks! $\:D/$

Moontide · Post by **Moontide** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 12:58 pm

nerd, however, is an insult.

Not to all people! Dome people claim to be nerds. I wouldn't mind being called a nerd. In geekdom there are large discussions about whether you are a geek or a nerd. So calling someone a nerd is not always a insult.

Amethystic · Post by **Amethystic** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 3:31 pm

*pshaw* Nerd is not a derogatory word! I am a Nerd and I'm proud of it! $\:D/$

Fang-wa · Post by **Fang-wa** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 4:53 pm

Moontide wrote:
nerd, however, is an insult.
Not to all people! Dome people claim to be nerds. I wouldn't mind being called a nerd. In geekdom there are large discussions about whether you are a geek or a nerd. So calling someone a nerd is not always a insult.

Okay then, you're a nerd.

Amethystic wrote:*pshaw* Nerd is not a derogatory word! I am a Nerd and I'm proud of it! $\:D/$

Even if it is derogatory I'm proud of it! $\:D/$

Oh, and relating to nerd superiority..

$\:D/$

Taps · Post by **Taps** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 5:57 pm

A Nerd is like a guy who stays up all night to get tickets for lord of the rings 3. stuff like that. a geek is like a math wiz and really good at homework

Galaxy X · Post by **Galaxy X** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 7:35 pm

takeitfromthetop wrote:A Nerd is like a guy who stays up all night to get tickets for lord of the rings 3. stuff like that. a geek is like a math wiz and really good at homework

Well then, Jason Fox (From Foxtrot) Is both! Defiantly...

UNCLEBITTLES · Post by **UNCLEBITTLES** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 7:06 am

Invisible Ninja wrote:
Moontide wrote:
nerd, however, is an insult.
Not to all people! Dome people claim to be nerds. I wouldn't mind being called a nerd. In geekdom there are large discussions about whether you are a geek or a nerd. So calling someone a nerd is not always a insult.
Okay then, you're a nerd.

Amethystic wrote:*pshaw* Nerd is not a derogatory word! I am a Nerd and I'm proud of it! $\:D/$
Even if it is derogatory I'm proud of it! $\:D/$

Oh, and relating to nerd superiority..

$\:D/$

Thats CRAZY!

TigerintheShadows · Post by **TigerintheShadows** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 7:10 am

...Yeah, technically nerd is either derogatory or a good thing, apparently depending on who you ask. I think it just depends on how you take either term.

UNCLEBITTLES · Post by **UNCLEBITTLES** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 7:13 am

Ture ture

Post by **Musical Shutterbug** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 2:33 pm

Me & Top. $\:D/$

UNCLEBITTLES · Post by **UNCLEBITTLES** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 2:40 pm

IDANCE4JESUS wrote:Me & Top. $\:D/$

You and Top what?

Post by **Musical Shutterbug** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 3:04 pm

Yanny wrote:
IDANCE4JESUS wrote:Me & Top. $\:D/$
You and Top what?

One is a geek, one is a nerd. But it's a joke.

UNCLEBITTLES · Post by **UNCLEBITTLES** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 3:05 pm

Oh ok

The Town of Odyssey

What Is The Difference Between a Geek and a Nerd?

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