[susan53]

Can anyone tell me the difference between a geek and a nerd, and whether geek is positive or derogatory in tone?

[mesmark]

I think they are both negative terms.

geek generally means techie and nerd is more book smart, but I think you may be splitting hairs there.

[emile]

They both started out as derogatory and meant the same thing. However, over time geek came to mean 'techie' and is also no longer derogatory. Many people in the IT industry refer to themselves as geeks. It's one of those words where the meaning is or has shifted.

I also like the term 'alpha geek' - the head geek in an IT company, but that's a little more obscure.

wikipedia is always worth a look on matters like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geek

[mesmark]

Quote emile

However, over time geek came to mean 'techie' and is also no longer derogatory. Many people in the IT industry refer to themselves as geeks.

Do you think, though, that it is OK to refer to someone else as a geek? Or is it just OK for them to refer to themselves as geeks?

A lot of that is probably wrapped up in the delivery.

[emile]

Do you think, though, that it is OK to refer to someone else as a geek? Or is it just OK for them to refer to themselves as geeks?

A lot of that is probably wrapped up in the delivery.

You're right about the delivery, but I know plenty of people who refer to themselves as geeks.

And honestly, Mark, I think we're both geeks ourselves. I remember you have three or four websites, and I'm planning on a third one this year.

[mesmark]

Quote emile

And honestly, Mark, I think we're both geeks ourselves. I remember you have three or four websites, and I'm planning on a third one this year.

Yeah, it's a pretty difficult task to fight off the label these days


Good luck with the new site!

[emile]

... and about ten minutes after I posted the last message, my coworker just called me a geek!

[susan53]

Thanks geeks!