Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: The geek, a definition
• Part 2 of 3: The nerd, a definition
• Part 3 of 3: Comparing geeks and nerds
• Tips
• Warnings

"You're a geek!" "You are a nerd! "Is that a compliment, disrespectful, or something else? What does it actually mean? This can be confusing, especially since the two terms overlap slightly, potentially making geeky nerds ... or nerdy geeks! This article will help you to understand the difference between the two.

To step

Part 1 of 3: The geek, a definition

1. Understand the geek's origins. In order to fully appreciate the modern geek, one will first have to find the roots of geekness.
   • In the early 1900s, when traveling carnivals (or fairs) were popular, there was an artist called the "geek." His job was to perform bizarre and disgusting acts as entertainment for the locals. Remarkably, this included biting off the heads of live chickens.
2. Contrast this with today's geek. It only rarely bites the head off a chicken. Instead, a geek is usually someone who knows a lot - often almost obsessive - about a particular topic.
   • Being a geek became more and more appealing as the term was adopted by computer programmers and other tech folks, but has since gone more mainstream. There are wine geeks, car geeks, and Lord of the Rings geeks, and all of them closely follow the specifics of their chosen obsession.
   • To make it even clearer, it's important to note that geeks are mostly social. They have their fascination that makes them unique, but you probably wouldn't notice their geekiness if they didn't tell you.

Part 2 of 3: The nerd, a definition

1. Unravel the origin of the word "nerd."The word "nerd" was first used in 1954, by a young doctor named Seuss, in a line that goes like this, "A merkle, a nerd, and a seersucker too!" don't want to profane by calling someone a nerd, you can also call that person a "seersucker / bookworm".
   • The common connotation is that of an irritating, unattractive person who may be brilliant but chooses to pursue non-social goals.
   • Another definition of "nerd" is: a four-letter word with a six-digit income.

Part 3 of 3: Comparing geeks and nerds

1. Compare communication skills. Geeks and nerds may have the same looks - or not - but when you compare their approach to life, the differences quickly become apparent.
   • Nerds love to use jargon or unfamiliar terminology in conversation, while geeks overuse obscure tidbits.
     • For example, a geek might say, "That's an overused Foley (sound effect). Must be a lazy SD (sound director)."
     • The geek might say the same: "Ah! I love how Percy Jackson uses the William's scream in every movie!"
   • Geeks are often interested in all the microcosmic details of life, such as noticing that your current situation is very similar to that of a news article or book. Nerds seemingly aren't interested in the details of everyday life, but more on the bigger picture, such as scientific possibilities and the future of humanity.
2. Compare interests. You recognize them by how and what games they play.
   • A geek can enjoy board games, film (and maybe obsessively following what directors, composers or key grips do), technological gadgets, hacking and techno music.
   • A geek enjoys solitaire activities such as programming and Second life, or games such as chess and go.
3. Compare social skills. While both are obsessed with their passion, they diverge when it comes to normal human interaction.
   • The geeks have normal social skills, but can be pretentious and long-winded, especially when the topic is about their particular passion. Then they may not let you go until they explain exactly how a specific widget works and the history of the team that designed it.
   • The nerd tends to be more introverted. They may know as much about the exact same thing the geek specializes in, but getting them to talk about it can take a little effort.
4. Find out who they love. It's a universal truth that geeks can fall for anyone (although it doesn't have to be the other way around). The nerd, however, usually only likes nerds. This can be a survival tactic, but no one is completely sure.
5. Find out where they work. While both nerds and geeks are intelligent and educated, there are career paths that will attract one group and not the other:
   • In addition to IT departments around the world, you may find geeks in artistic jobs such as web design, graphic design and game design. You might find a geek behind the bar, as a clerk at a local record store, or making espresso at a coffee shop.
   • Look for geeks working as rocket scientists or programming the software to manage the IT department. Maybe it is an engineer or an inventor, or even a brilliant hermit who rarely sees the light of day. You can also find them behind the counter of the last remaining video store.
6. Enjoy the differences. Geeks, nerds, dweebs, dorks, twerps, dolts and norms all have their own niche and all have something to contribute to that amazing world of ours. It may be funny to laugh at stereotypes and try to discover them, but remember that everyone is valuable unless proven otherwise.
   • Remember, most geeks are part geek and most nerds are part geek. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between the two, but consider the following two definitions from the Urban Dictionary:
   • Nerd: The person who is your "boss" at any given time.
   • Geek: The people you used to snag at school and ultimately are the ones you worked (or will) work for as an adult.

Tips

• Some geeks believe their interests are of "potential interest to humanity as a whole, although humanity does not yet know that."
• It's possible someone is a geek or a geek, but it doesn't realize and therefore does not claim or identify with his status; this person may even try their best to be considered average.
• If you want to talk to a Geek or Nerd, then be prepared and take advantage of it that there is always something that the person is completely obsessed with. You may not fully understand why, just accept that it is. Both groups are more likely to share their feelings and thoughts with you once you find out what they find really interesting.
• Both groups are probably smart and it is certain that they know very much about their special field. This means that you can and should take them seriously when they talk about these things. But to automatically assume that every geek or nerd is a fully developed genius is incorrect. Due to the often technical side of their specialty, geeks are more likely to have a higher intelligence than average, while Geeks are a more diverse group in terms of intellectual ability.
• Nerds may not feel compelled to oppose attacks on their areas of interest because they simply don't care about the opinions of others. Geeks are usually energetic and will jump on it when given the opportunity to talk about a topic that is close to their heart to convince you of its value.
• Nerds and geeks will by nature never belong to the mainstream or be accepted by the general public. All one can do is try to be more open-minded and understanding towards others.
• Both nerds and geeks are easy targets for bullying. This may be due to their appearance and style being different from what the environment expects, or it may be because their specialty is not widely accepted as a valuable / interesting skill. An additional problem is that both nerds and geeks tend to make fewer friends at school or work, but prefer to hang out with people who share their interest. This adds to the bullying problem and overlaps with the non-social behavior of many Nerds.
• Geeks are usually able to extrapolate beyond the direct value of an object and foreseeing its future value, while others see nothing more than a gem, collector's item, or junk. This also makes them an important target group for merchandise.
• Both geeks and nerds can exhibit traits resembling autism / Asperger's. By being aware of this, if you recognize it, you can do a lot to relieve the constant pain of trying to fit in somewhere you don't fit; a greater degree of self-acceptance — not to mention using your undeniable strengths — is a better strategy for living a fruitful and happy life.
• Nerds will often use longer and "more intelligent" words in their sentences, usually out of habit and other times to impress. Geeks are more likely to use words such as "Got it" or "I will do" while a nerd is more likely to choose "I understand what you mean" and "I'll do that". Geeks can also use abbreviations such as "IDC", "GTG" or "IDK" in their sentences.

Warnings

• Don't assume that geeks and nerds have only one interest. A linguist or artist can also be a football player or a guitarist.
• Don't forget that nerds and geeks are just people too. All people have hobbies, are in love, secrets, vices and virtues. They are also just human. Don't treat geeks and nerds like they only care about studying and being smart. That's important to them, but so are other things, like having friends. They may not say it, but they are not robots. They have feelings too, guys. Respect that.
• Don't assume that nerds and geeks want to be "transformed" into "popular" people. It is a widely held misconception that nerds and geeks adore popular, nor are they afraid of people who are seemingly popular. You may even feel sorry for the superficial lifestyle of popular people.
• Geeks are generally more open to talking things out with you if they don't agree with you; a geek will usually ignore you if you cannot produce a well-founded or logical counter-argument. Don't take it personally; realize that they are probably very frustrated that other people cannot communicate with them on the same intellectual level.
• Geeks are fully aware of their geekness. In fact, many geeks pride themselves on being a geek, which is why websites such as ThinkGeek.com, LifeHacker, Gizmodo, and Engadget have been launched. Also consider the Geek Squad in Best Buy. So never challenge the degree of geek if you want to talk to that person. Also, don't question a geek's intellect or you will be banned from their conversations.
• Don't confuse the terms "expert", "hipster" and Geek. While there is an overlap (even with Nerds), they are not the same at their core.
• It is possible for someone to be a geek and a geek, depending on the definition. For example, people who like Star Trek may also be interested in string theory. A tomato grower can have a degree in biochemistry. Many interests of "nerds" and "geeks" are closely linked. Often times, being a geek will lead to becoming a geek, as people research fields in science and technology that match their interests. Likewise, nerds can become geeks, as their expertise leads to interest beyond what is typically "academic."
• Many nerds and geeks are introverted, and some are even anti-social. In fact, they may not want to talk to you at all. Be patient when you start talking to them.
• Nerds and geeks are often smart and witty. Enjoying SyFy Channel, or knowing the Constitution in Latin, is no reason to view someone as inferior.
• Being geek and being nerd isn't limited by gender. Girls can be nerdy and geeky just as well. Don't make the mistake of assuming they are doing this to get the attention of men, because you won't be thanked for that.