5.17.2008

I Think I am a Geek

Last night, Creech and some other friends were discussing the differences between "nerds" and "geeks." Being a pretty intellectual crowd (we could all relate to "White and Nerdy"), we were wondering which term is less of an insult. We never actually came to a conclusion, but Creech's latest post got me thinking about it again.

Dictionary.com gave me these lovely definitions:

Geek:
1. a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp. one who is perceived to be overly intellectual.
2. a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
3. a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.

Nerd:
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.

Excepting the third definition of "Geek," I think that's where I fit. I think I am more peculiar than dislikable and have better social skills than many other geeks. Yet I don't think of myself as stupid, irritating or ineffectual. Am I wrong here??

1 comment:

lattégirl said...

If you were stupid, irritating and ineffectual, I don't think you'd be working at your current job. ;-)