Headlines - The great Geek vs Nerd debate

[Andaho]

I've got a m8 who everyone calls a geek simply because he's always sat infront of his computer, and he's ugly with a bowl haircut, thick black hair, and glasses.... looks a bit like penfold from danger mouse. HOWEVER...

Going by your definition:

- Displays an advanced technical knowledge, gadgets etc.
Not at all, all he knows how to do is play counterstrike and world of warcraft, and having stupid conversations over ventrillo. He bought his heavily overpriced PC from littlewoods direct and will be paying for it for the next 5 years (also how he bought his previous PC).

- Displays an advanced knowledge in one particular subject, to an extent that may be considered odd
True I suppose, if you class his knowledge to be cs or wow.

- An avid PC enthusiast
if you call an enthusiast someone who just sits infront of it allday, then yeah (but I don't call that an enthusiast)

- Revels in knowing things that most people don't understand
Yes, he loves to use the most obcsure abbriviations, in person too... when out in a pub with him, he'll leave our group saying AFK BRB. (lol)

- Very intelligent, but not only in certain subjects, also displays good general intelligence.
UH-ER! probably an IQ of 80.

- Has an active social life
If an active social life is ventrillo and his cs or wow buddies, then yeah!


He takes pride in being called a geek or a nerd... and yeah I think he is, what else would you call him?

[staffsMike]

He takes pride in being called a geek or a nerd... and yeah I think he is, what else would you call him?

Another wannabe nerd..

[Lankius Maximus]

Geek and proud!

[Thorsson]

I think there are intellegent people...

Like people who can spell intelligent?

...and there are stupid people

Possibly those that can't?

[hippoman]

a couple of years ago I was looking at starting up a clothing company called ubergeek.

I've got a friend who calls me "aspergers"

I work in IT.

I have a special order for all the items on a supermarket conveyer belt (including three grades for fruit and veg - hard veg, soft veg, soft fruit).

a little from column A, a little from column B me thinks...

[Zhaoman]

Another wannabe nerd..

Yeah exactly, just because someone is into PCs or Magic cards doesn't mean they're intelleggent (Thorsson your definition is also very valid ), the same way a bookworm isn't necessarily bright. I know guys that are absolute chavs who display the ability to turn off the light when they leave the room and achieve a diploma in the saxophone (no joke!). I just don't like the way people are branded so loosely: whether someone is a loser or not doesn't depend on their hairstyle or the music they like. It depends on whether they are bothered to get off their asses and help make a worthwhile contribution to our world.

[DevilMayCry42]

I have bits from both catagories there!!

[Noxvayl]

I'm not smart enough to be either really. Just one of those guys interested but too lazy to delve into the depths of... what was I on about?

I have "General Knowledge"; a limited understanding of many things.

[Thorsson]

Well I only have two from the first list (PCs, intelligent - and really the second is a fault of birth and the first a given if you've made 2000+ posts on Hexus) and arguably one from the second (puts intellectual pursuits first, if you count rather doing something on the PC than sitting down watching BB with other people).

I think that would qualify being called geekish in many circles though.

[Rosaline]

It's interesting that 'geek' is usable as a verb: "To talk excitedly about a subject". There is no such similar usage of 'nerd' however.

The social intent really is the dividing line between the two, I would say. You can geek all you like, but if those you are geeking to don't geek along with you, you're a nerd

[Kerotan]

Geek FTW, seems to be "cool" nowadays if that counts for anything, plus people can always find time for you when you know a little about PCs:

"Oh you fixed it?! you're a lifesaver, thankyou so much!"
"Yeah it was just the power lead..." etc etc

[mediaboy]

You simplify what you are doing?

Then they'll think THEY can do it! Then we'll be out of a job...

[Steven W]

It's interesting that 'geek' is usable as a verb: "To talk excitedly about a subject". There is no such similar usage of 'nerd' however.

The social intent really is the dividing line between the two, I would say. You can geek all you like, but if those you are geeking to don't geek along with you, you're a nerd

I like your thinking!

[directhex]

I like your thinking!

ironically, of course, that makes "stealth geeks" nerds - since they're unable to apply their geekdom in a social situation (by denying it exists)

[tigerboyce]

Your description of Geek sums me up pretty much,

I have always been technologically adept
I do have good intelligence in specific area's with an overall good general knowledge
I do love PC's
Not so much that i revel in knowing more, but its good to know
I wouldn't so much say that I'm considerably intelligent, but i do know a lot about specific subjects that appeal to me some are quite odd to general people I suppose
And I do have a semi-active social life


There's a great chart here, Pick the one that suits you most id say I'm a 3D geek, but there isnt one so as part of my passion that goes with 3D is films, ill go with Film Geek!



(sorry its a bit huge)

[staffsMike]

I'm actually a lot of those Geeks (ouch), but I'll hide my shame behind "Rock Geek" I think. Having played in various rock and metal bands (guitar, nothing minty like Sax .. although there's nothing wrong with that lol) and having a rather distinct knowledge (from a 70's metal head upbringing) of the roots of our modern rock and metal I'm happy there.

At least I'm comfortable in the knowledge that I have never played online role playing games or any of that nonsense and although I know what Larping is (Seen on Beauty and Geek.. TV geek yes) I will happily laugh at those who do such things

And what the hell is a furry geek?