Are You A Nerd Or A Geek?

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I personally don't know, even after reading these definitions:

Geek – An enthusiast of a particular topic or field. Geeks are collection oriented, gathering facts and mementos related to their subject of interest. They are obsessed with the newest, coolest, trendiest things that their subject has to offer.

Nerd – A studious intellectual, although again of a particular topic or field. Nerds are “achievement” oriented, and focus their efforts on acquiring knowledge and skill over trivia and memorabilia.

Both are dedicated to their subjects, and sometimes socially awkward. The distinction is that geeks are fans of their subjects, and nerds are practitioners of them.


So, what are you, if you know? A nerd or a geek? Or are you one of the cool kids?

Yes and/or No.

[cedargrove]

Definitely a geek, but not socially awkward (as suggested by the definition). As people get to know me they are usually surprised to find out I'm a geek.

[Rock]

The majority of people have all those archetypes in different proportions.
The ones you notice are the personalities that are dominated by one characteristic.
As for "cool" - 99% of all the "cool" people I have ever met were people without a shred of individualism who had set out to make themselves over in that stereotype. For every 'wanna-be' there was always a follower who was prepared to go along with the illusion.