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Difference Between Nerd and Geek (neon.nightbulb.net)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Difference Between Nerd and Geek

Has anyone written a scientific treatise on the differences between nerd and geek?

On the one hand, I could instigate endless debate about the finer points of nerds.

On the other hand I could construct nerds with a 3-D meat printer.

@[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 47 points 8 months ago (2 children)

If this is a joke, it’s going over my head. But as I understand it:

Geek: Socially Acceptable, Really smart about a particular topic, or in general. Nerd: Socially awkward, really smart about a topic or in general. Dork: Socially awkward, not especially bright.

[–] [email protected] 16 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (2 children)

How I remember it being used as a kid in the 80s/90s and were about less popular things like math/science/chess/D&D/band/etc.

Nerd - Knows a lot of minutes about a thing, but is generally introverted in how they approach it. They will discuss it calmly with other needs, hang out in small groups, and might even hide their interest if they are bullied.

Geek - Knows a lot of minute about a nerdy thing, but is extremely excited about it externally. They 'geek out about the thing and want to share it with everyone.

I assume they were used differently in different places and times, so that's just my experience.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 8 months ago

That's more or less my understanding, a nerd knows a lot of useless random facts, but a geek will tell them to you whether you asked or not.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I think the word you want is minutiae?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Yes, autocorrect seems to be worse than usual lately.

Minute <- just checked and it switches the words and I guess it is time to figure out how to turn autocorrect off.

[–] [email protected] -4 points 8 months ago

The other two I agree with but a geek:someone who thinks they know it all, and occasionally gets things right. Asshole by nature.