Ok, so. Geek? Nerd?

[elionwyr]

What exactly is the difference?

(Yes, yes, I could just wikipedia it, but...I'm curious what y'all think.)

It seems to me that geek is more socially acceptable than nerd*. I mean, when I think "nerd" I think "Revenge of the Nerds" and pocket protectors; and when I think geek I think of many of my friends, none of whom wear pocket protectors.

What say you?



* Unless we're talking that X-Files episode, in which case, dude, I am SO not interested in continuing this discussion. shudder

Comments

IMO

[bluedressdevil.livejournal.com]

Nerd: you are very smart perhaps in all things or one thing whether it is math or art history but very social inept i.e. unable to hold conversations with people outside of work and school type conversations. You are unable to dumb down explanations of your field of expertise and do not comprehend that people may not be at your level in that field.

Geek: You are very smart perhaps in all things or one thing whether it is math or art history but you are able to socialize with people well and hold conversations. You are able to speak to nerds in your field but also able to speak to "lay people" in your field because of your ability to explain in terms other than those in your field of expertise.

If that makes sense. :)

Re: IMO

[h3salthea.livejournal.com]

...I'll agree with this assessment.

..being a Geek myself, but having met LOTS of Nerds at Cons.

(..some Star Trek Nerds...*shudders violently*)