How to Tell the Difference Between a Nerd and a Geek, part I

I had been thinking: most non-band kids refer to band kids as either "band geeks" or "band nerds". I was curious to research which was a more correct term, and which is a better word to describe myself. Although their meanings are virtually interchangeable in colloquial* language today, their meanings, and the people they describe, have many noticeable differences. This is what I came up with, and my comments and how i would fit each point are in italics and parentheses

How to Tell the Difference Between a Nerd and a Geek

The terms "nerd" and "geek" are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Both terms can be viewed as either endearing or pejorative depending on how they applied, by whom, and to whom. And there is always passion aplenty involved in the definition and application of either term. This article will help you to tell the difference between nerds and geeks, with ample room for your own subjective interpretation!



#1- Understand the difference- While the terms are often used interchangeably by people "less-in-the-know" (as well as some people who self-apply the labels "geek" or "nerd") and there is often an overlap in characteristics^[1], there are important distinctions to be made.  (When I looked up images for "geek" and "nerd", most of them were the same pictures of a somewhat scrawny guy with a white button-up shirt, big, clunky glasses with tape in the middle that he is pushing up with his finger, a pocket protector, and khaki pants.)

The term "nerd" was apparently coined in 1954, possibly from the Dr Seuss line "A nerkle, a nerd, and a seersucker too!"^[2] A nerd could be viewed as someone with an extremely intense interest or fascination in an academic field of study (often an obscure field) or similar cerebral pursuit. Being a nerd is typically associated with intellect, as a nerd often enjoys specialising in complicated fields of study. (Does taking 8 classes[5 AP/advanced] in a six period schedule count??? ) Nerds may also have difficulties socialising with others, as many tend towards being introverted, although it is also said that a nerd cannot be bothered with developing social skills while busy with other interests.^[3] Nerds often gain a strong and diverse skill set from their studies and experiences, which may at times be unorthodox or impractical. Nerd interests may cover a broad range of interests, from movies to games (video and table-top) to more practical skills such as computer science. (interested in all of those) 

• Very likely to be a rocket scientist, a renowned yet reclusive professor, a scientist, an intellectual, a computer programmer, an engineer, an inventor, etc. ( I am planning to go into a heavily math/science/technology carrier.) 

The term "geek" is often said to have originated from circus performers in sideshows, referring to those who performed bizarre feats.^[4] However, its earliest meaning is, "one who is regarded as foolish, offensive, worthless, etc."^[5] Today, the term has taken on a positive slant and a geek could be viewed as someone with an interest or lifestyle having to do with niche activities, especially fandoms such as Doctor Who or the Avengers and technology.^[3] (STAR WARS!!!! well, sci-fi in general, but still, STAR WARS!!!) It is not uncommon for a geek to be capable of reciting large amounts of knowledge that is unintuitive, intriguing, and (at times) long-winded. The knowledge could be anything from the mundane to “living encyclopedia” status.^[3] Unlike nerds, geeks tend to have average grades.(I'd have to say no to this) Geeks can vary in their interests (ex. anything from (film) to collecting plastic figurines to heavily technological interests like computing, hacking, and programming). Urban Dictionary goes so far as to suggest that society still views computer programming as a "bizarre feat" and the term "geek" is a proud label reflecting this.^[6]

• Likely to be a gamer or Star Trek fan, a technological enthusiast, a film series/book series buff, a free-spirited (not malevolent) technology hacker, a creator of unusual objects (artist, etc.), etc.^[7]

Note that the interests of nerds and geeks often overlap. Most nerds enjoy the more intellectual forms of science fiction and most geeks have a higher knowledge of science or encyclopedic data than the general population.

 (This point goes to nerd; I consistently score in the top 1% of my grade in national standardized tests, and I enjoy pursuits that exercise my cerebral cortex more than physically, although I do play softball and lead a Dragon Dance Team[ think of the dragons in Chinese New Year parades]------->)

#2- Observe the person-  What sort of words and phrases do they interject into their dialogue?

Jargon versus obscure referencing: Nerds are unabashed about using jargon or unfamiliar terminology in their dialogue, whereas geeks will use obscure references abundantly.

Details versus big picture: Geeks often take interest in the microcosmic details of life, such as noticing that your present situation is much like one from a news article or novel. Nerds will be seemingly uninterested in the details of daily life, being more focused on the macroscopic, such as scientific possibilities and the future of humankind.

#3- Take a quick inventory of their prominent possessions, especially ones related to hobbies and other interests- Check for unusual objects, such as a dictionary of an obscure language(say, Chinese???) , or an encyclopedia of exotic birds(more like the encyclopedia of Star Wars vehicles from the prequel, original, AND EXTENDED UNIVERSE!!!!!). Nerds may be more willing than geeks to show off hobbies and possessions that flaunt their intellect, whereas geeks may take pride in more obscure and unique subjects. (so if the above comments in this paragraph are any indication, this point goes to geek)

Continued in How to Tell the Difference Between a Nerd and a Geek, Part II

 *(For those reading this that are unfamiliar with the AP Lang term, colloquial language is less formal than popular, or everyday language, and more formal than slang.)