Hello F(r)iends,
Brilliant analysis, Detrop.
Do nerds and geeks ever mix?
Sincerely,
-Thirst
Nerd & Geek
These terms are imperfect, and their usage often overlaps, yet for the sophisticated observer here are some additional differences that hopefully will add a bit to what detrop wrote above.
The basic root of both types is the Misfit. The misfit lacks social intelligence. They lack the ability to re-orient themselves inside of a social matrix. They cannot pick up on ordinary social cues. Subsequently their social behavior is unconventional to some degree, the greater the lack the more significant the degree.
The additional qualities in the basic Misfit leads to the differentiation of the child into the nerd or geek subtype. The child who will become a Nerd has above average intelligence in a some non-social area. Through the pursuit of advancement in that specific area of talent the child can eventually become as useful if not more useful than the typical adult.
If their talent is recognized early then they can begin moving in the direction of their highest potential. Their social development will always be slow but they can compensate for that lack with other non-social things that they can do. A nerd can develop coping strategies from another kind of intelligence to counteract their lack of ordinary social intelligence. Their usefulness often leads them towards to being less and less of a misfit, especially as they are able to interact more and more exclusively in their field of specialization.
Specialization is the way of the nerd. Any inordinate fondness can be an indication of nerdiness. A mild lack of social intelligence and a mild specialization will lead to a mild level of nerd. While the most extreme form is more likely to be seen protrayed in sterotype.
The path for the geek is different, and perhaps a little more tragic. The misfit who will become a Geek lacks social intelligence, but they further lack any compensatory intelligence in another direction. They have nothing to counterbalance their lack. Geeks may gravitate towards one another but this is more out of necessity than out of camaraderie. The geek never moves very far from being a mistfit.
Traditionally, a geek is a circus performer who bites the heads of chickens.
That is true, and the term has been extended to have a wider meaning since then.
I’ve always thought it was interesting that there were enough circus performers who bit the heads of chickens that they need their own name.
Now, I’m curious, what does the word dork mean? How is it different?
Thank you for your supplementary support, Xanderman. I found your addition to be thoroughly comprehensive and would like to comment briefly on our most recent question, that of the nature of the “dork.”
The final denominating feature of the dork which sets it aside from the category of nerd and geek, is the literal phsyical appearance of the dork. Rarely if ever does a dork look good, no matter how he/she is dressed and/or the practicing of etiquette and fashion conscience. A dork can possess many of the attributes that are expressive of the nerd and geek, but usually always has this feature of uncompromising ugliness, that which cannot be compensated for by neither intelligence or social status.
Fortunately, just as the geeks and nerds have their squads, so too do the dorks, and they congregate harmoniously with one another practicing an ethic with is native to that culture. The only problem is that attractive people do not stray from reproductive tendencies to mate with nerds and geeks, avoiding, if at all possible, access with dorks, as they are normally unattractive.
The nerd/geek gene pool is evolving, though slowly, to incorporate a new version or hybrid of the nerd/geek, which will be called the “gerds.”
The dorks will eventuall die off through consumerism. Mating will no longer take place among ugly people.
Disappointing detrop. Surely you have the ability to do better, not your best work.
I am a dork who appears as a steroid user to some, and I have procreated … on no less than four occasions. Yes, using my physical being and body fluids, before you attempt to interject that bit of tripe.
Now, I’ve consitered myself a dork, but I’m not sure what qualifies me as a dork.
Nah, Gecota, you are just a nerd. So, get back to work! 
You just happen to know too many dorks.
So, I ask again, what is a dork.
according to the definitions given so far i can conclusively say that i am neither a geek nor a nerd… which is bizarre because in the post a pic thread which started all this I was convinved that I was one or the other.
yours
utterly confused
sarax,
Perhaps you are an intellectual or maybe an over-achiever?
3 cheers for nerds!
They own the computer industry you know.
from the definitions i’ve heard thus far… those pictures are of geeks not nerds
courtesy of our very own ben!!!
The difference between a Geek or a Nerds is arbitrary…they are one and the same…both names refer to the same thing by and large…with but a difference of degree…a problem of semantics really!
Geek/nerd/prep/jock/freak
If you are happy why think about labeling yourself, plenty of others ready and willing to do it for you. Just be the best of yourself and the rest will follow. You are 18, Piffle on labels, go have fun, learn and live your life as passionately as possible. You have a label that suits you,(Sara) Look up the meaning its a good name.
hee hee i’m a princess
i’m not trying to label myself, I’m just finding this nerd geek distinction interesting, especially when people such as detrop and xanderman go in depth on it…
Detrop just copied what I said.
