I've often been referred to as a nerd, dork, geek, etc, so I thought I ought to own up to it right away. I wouldn't want to give the impression that this blog is going to be written by someone with immaculate fashion sense and a keen eye for shoes. But which, pray tell, am I really? A nerd, a dork, or a geek? It turns out that the three don't exactly mean what I thought they did, and after extensive Wikipedia research I've settled on Nerd. Why?
Well, for one, I'm not a Geek. While the definition of Geek is up for interpretation, the classic meaning of "Geek" is a derogatory term for a person a) obsessed with intellectual pursuits (which, arguably, I am) but also b) deficient in most other human attributes so as to impair the person's operation within society. Alright, while I'm not the most social butterfly I know, I am definitely not socially inept, nor do I consider myself deficient in most human attributes. If I accepted the more P.C. version of the definition, as an 'odd' person who is overly obsessed with something that places them outside the mainstream, then O.K. I'm a bit Geeky. I prefer to avoid the negative connotation though, so "Geek" is out.
I am definitely not a Dork. Did you know Dorks are generally defined as Geeks and Nerds except without the intelligence? Yeah, thanks, but no thanks on being a Dork. I rather highly rate my intelligence, thank-you-very-much. I may not be the next Einstein, but I am definitely not "a stupid and socially inept person who is out of touch with contemporary trends."Â The fact that it's also a slang word for penis makes the label less appealing as well. If I'm a Dork I'm either an obsessive nitwit or a dick. Nope. DEFINITELY not the right term.
So with two down I was a bit scared to find out what the real meaning of 'Nerd' was. A 'Nerd' is a person who "passionately pursues intellectual activities, esoteric knowledge, or other obscure interests... rather than engaging in more social or popular activities." That pretty much sums up, oh I don't know, my entire life. Let's see - I stay at home on Friday nights to watch Planet Earth or some other Discovery Channel special. I read Science News daily, if not hourly. Did I mention that I have a deep and uncontrollable love for Jeff Corwin, Dave Salmoni, and Mike Rowe? So I guess it would be fruitless for me to even attempt to hide the fact that I am a Nerd 100%. You might even make that 110%. After all, I coerce my friends into my nerd-riffic pursuits as well.Â
Well, with that cleared up, I guess it's time to scan the internet for my next nerd-tastic topic. I know you can't wait!
Categories
- Log in to post comments
More like this
I've often been referred to as a nerd, dork, geek, etc, so I thought I ought to own up to it right away. I wouldn't want to give the impression that this blog is going to be written by someone with immaculate fashion sense and a keen eye for shoes. But which, pray tell, am I really? A nerd, a dork…
I'm sick, my head hurts and I have a fever. That is why I did this, and why I got a lower score than anyone else who may compare themselves to me. Lynch made me do this. It' seems I'm a Modern, Cool Nerd, like that's news...
Modern, Cool Nerd
78 % Nerd, 60% Geek, 43% Dork…
Here is a quiz that will tell you if you are a nerd, a geek or a dork -- by the way, it also tells you the definitions of those words, too.
Pure Nerd
91 % Nerd, 43% Geek, 21% Dork
For The Record:A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.
A Geek is…
After Janet posted the results the other day (I was crushed to learn I'd only placed sixth), I thought the nerdoff was over. For better or worse, it's not. Someone found yet another Nerd Test, and as we already know, SciBlings can't resist nerd tests. I can't either.
Modern, Cool Nerd…