This is an argument that is as popular as Pirates vs. Ninjas (even though we all know pirates would totally win!). Some people find being called a "a geek" insulting -- others find "nerd" insulting.
A friend of mine views it like this:
Nerds are into "software"... Things like books, art, knitting, etc.
Geeks are into "hardware"... Like gaming. computers, and even musical instruments (though music has been said to go either way).
I am a self-embraced nerd, myself...but others are pretty adamant that being called a nerd is an insult. For those who are familiar with the show, "The Big Bang Theory", my friend's husband said that Wolowitz is a nerd and Leonard is a geek .
For those who aren't familiar with this show, Wolowitz is a creepy engineer - slightly lovable, but creepy - who is one of the main characters of the show.
Leonard is a more lovable character who is an experimental physicist).
That turned me off of being a nerd almost instantly, if only because I never ever want to be compared to Wolowitz (who isn't even a doctor!).
SO, I decided to Google the definitions of both words to see what the differences were (both definitions were found on Dictionary.com):
Nerd
noun Slang.
1. a stupid, irritating, ineffectual, or unattractive person.
2. an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit: a computer nerd.
Geek
noun Slang.
1. a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
2. a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual.
3. a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.
Which one would you rather be called?? I think I am still going to stick with nerd. ;)
Nerd and proud!
-M-
Nerd and proud!
-M-
