IFRAME: //www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-KL5JS8Z
(BUTTON) Menu
Home
Geeks Versus Nerds - What's the Difference?
(BUTTON) Search
Search the site ____________________ (BUTTON) GO
Science
* Chemistry
+ Basics
+ Chemical Laws
+ Molecules
+ Periodic Table
+ Projects & Experiments
+ Scientific Method
+ Biochemistry
+ Physical Chemistry
+ Medical Chemistry
+ Chemistry In Everyday Life
+ Famous Chemists
+ Activities for Kids
+ Abbreviations & Acronyms
* Biology
* Physics
* Geology
* Astronomy
* Weather & Climate
* Science, Tech, Math
+ Science
+ Math
+ Social Sciences
+ Computer Science
+ Animals & Nature
* Humanities
+ History & Culture
+ Visual Arts
+ Literature
+ English
+ Geography
+ Philosophy
+ Issues
* Languages
+ English as a Second Language
+ Spanish
+ French
+ German
+ Italian
+ Japanese
+ Mandarin
+ Russian
* Resources
+ For Students & Parents
+ For Educators
+ For Adult Learners
*
+ About Us
+ Contact Us
+ Editorial Guidelines
+ Privacy Policy
IFRAME: about:blank
Science, Tech, Math › Science
Geeks Versus Nerds - What's the Difference?
How to Tell the Difference Between a Geek and a Nerd
* Share
* Flipboard
* Email
(BUTTON) Print
Both nerds and geeks might wear glasses, but a nerd rocks prescription
lenses because who has time to mess with contacts?
Both nerds and geeks might wear glasses, but a nerd rocks prescription
lenses because who has time to mess with contacts?. Elisabeth LHOMELET
/ Getty Images
Science Science
* Chemistry
+ Basics
+ Chemical Laws
+ Molecules
+ Periodic Table
+ Projects & Experiments
+ Scientific Method
+ Biochemistry
+ Physical Chemistry
+ Medical Chemistry
+ Chemistry In Everyday Life
+ Famous Chemists
+ Activities for Kids
+ Abbreviations & Acronyms
* Biology
* Physics
* Geology
* Astronomy
* Weather & Climate
by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science
writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the
high school, college, and graduate levels.
Updated January 27, 2019
You may consider the terms "geek" and "nerd" to be synonymous. While
geeks and nerds share certain common traits (and it's possible to be
both at once), there are distinct differences between the two groups.
Geek Definition
The word "geek" comes from the English and German words geek and geck,
which mean "fool" or "freak". The German word geck survives to the
present day and means "fool". In the 18th century Europe, Gecken were
circus freaks. In the 19th century, American geeks were still circus
freaks, but they upped their game to include feats of freakishness,
like biting the heads off of live rats or chickens. Modern geeks aren't
known for acts of barbarism but retain a flair for eccentricity. They
also tend not to be fools, unless you consider their penchant for
bleeding edge tech to be foolish.
Modern Geek Definition: A person with an intense interest in one or
more subjects. A geek will have encyclopedic knowledge about these
topics and may be an avid collector of tech or memorabilia related to
the areas of concern.
Nerd Definition
The word "nerd" first appeared in the 1951 Dr. Seuss poem "If I Ran the
Zoo":
"Then the whole town will gasp, ‘Why this boy never sleeps! No
keeper before ever kept what he keeps. There’s no telling what that
young fellow will do!’ And then, just to show them, I’ll sail to
Katroo And bring back an ItKutch a Preep and a Proo, A Nerkle, a
Nerd and a Seersucker too."
While Dr. Seuss may have coined the term, there was a 1940s slang word,
nert, which meant "crazy person." Modern nerds could be considered
borderline insane because they are characterized by an obsession with
matters of interest. Typically, these are academic pursuits.
Modern Nerd Definition: An intellectual who is focused on learning all
there is to know about one or more topics and mastering the skills of
the discipline. Some would say a nerd is a geek who either lacks social
skills or else simply prefers solitary pursuits. Urban Dictionary
definition: "a four-letter word with a six-figure income."
How to Tell a Geek and a Nerd Apart
You can distinguish between a geek and a nerd based in part on
appearance, but mainly by actions. Any person you meet in a social
situation is more likely a geek since nerds tend to be introverted or
reclusive.
Trait Geek Nerd
appearance Hipsters style themselves after geeks. Geeks often wear
t-shirts displaying their object of interest. Nerds are unconcerned
with how others perceive them and may appear carelessly dressed.
social Geeks, whether introverted or extroverted, can talk ad nauseum
about their interests. Often comes across as pretentious, but truly
knows his stuff. Nerds tend to be introverted. They may not lack social
skills, but prefer to spend time engaged in an activity or study rather
than talking about it. Typically knows more than heʼs saying.
tech A geek will own incredibly awesome tech, typically before it
becomes mainstream. Nerds have the best tools of their trade, which
could be a computer, paintbrushes, aquarium supplies, etc.
home decorating Very likely keeps a collection, such as figurines,
collector cards, video games. Possibly has a messy home, since her
focus will be on interests, not mundane tasks like cleaning.
common careers IT, designer, barista, engineer scientist, musician,
programmer
(BUTTON)
Continue Reading
* Make a wish!
Need a Geeky Gift Idea? We Have You Covered
* Performer standing with arms outstretched on stage in theater
What Are the Lines of the Comedic Female Monologue in 'Cinema
Limbo'?
* gaunt gentleman in suit
What Is a SNOOT?
* Teen girls using their smartphones
What Is a Social Dialect?
* Group of conference participants standing in lobby of conference
center, socializing during lunch break
Ideas for Your People Bingo Cards
* Man doing Kung Fu
Why Hollywood Should Drop These 5 Asian American Stereotypes
* "Too many cooks spoil the broth" is a maxim.
Check Out Some Entertaining Examples of Maxims
* The Grinch Played By Jim Carrey Conspires With His Dog Max
Grumpy Quotes From "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
* Dr. Seuss Drawing at His Desk
Theodor Geisel, Dr. Seuss, Rosetta Stone, and Theo. Lesieg
Connection
* Women greeting one another with a warm embrace
How to Catch Up at a Reunion With English Idioms in Context
* Close up of beakers with liquid
Understand the Difference Between Molarity and Normality
* Dr. Seuss Holds 'The Cat In The Hat'
What Are Some Famous Dr. Seuss Quotes?
* Man getting hit in face with pie
10 German Insults and What They Mean
* male friends at a German cafe
These Are the Top German Words in Speaking and Writing
* Two women looking at a display of the US Constitution
Republic vs. Democracy: What Is the Difference?
* Scrabble letters
11 of the Weirdest and Most Interesting Words in the English
Language
Home
Learn Something New Every Day
Email Address ____________________ (BUTTON) Sign up
There was an error. Please try again.
You're in! Thanks for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
Thank you for signing up.
Follow Us
* Facebook Facebook
* Flipboard Flipboard
TRUSTe
* Science, Tech, Math
* Humanities
* Languages
* Resources
* About Us
* Advertise
* Privacy Policy
* Cookie Policy
* Careers
* Editorial Guidelines
* Contact
* Terms of Use
* California Privacy Notice
ThoughtCo is part of the Dotdash publishing family.
* Verywell Family
* Verywell Mind
* The Balance
* Lifewire
* and more
ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By
using ThoughtCo, you accept our
use of cookies. (BUTTON) x