Computer Science Canada

Definition of Nerd and Geek
Author:  Insectoid [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:FireFox 3!
Um..I'm going into GR. 11 next year, as I'm only 15 (until July 26) which may or may not explain my occasional immaturity. alright, frequent immaturity. When I graduate high school, they will be buying me a laptop, and I'll be buying the parts to build my desktop PC!

If I buy a laptop myself, it will be confiscated and returned apon graduation. Unles they don't know about it. But I have no money.

Oh, and never call me a geek; I prefer the term 'nerd'. My definition of geek: Someone who watches anime and plays computer games and pretends to know how a computer works. Nerds, however, enjoy toying around with the software and actually KNOW what happens when a computer is turned on. Warhammer is excluded from the list of geeky things Smile.
Author:  Aziz [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:55 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:FireFox 3!
Everyone seems to have different ideas of a geek and nerd. I think my Trodgor shirt conveys my geek/nerdness more than a name. The fact that I got it for christmas - from my girlfriend - enhances my image.
Author:  apomb [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:58 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:FireFox 3!
The fact that all of us are excited about a browser release defines us as "geeks".

nerd is completely dependent on the individual.
Author:  Insectoid [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:14 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:FireFox 3!
1. Definitions of the two words are based on whoever is defining them.

2. I am not 'excited' about the release; I had no intention of downloading it until you guys said such good things about it.

Aziz- Trogdor rules! You've played Peasants Quest, right? Burninate!
Author:  Aziz [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:37 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:FireFox 3!
I play Peasants Quest in real life, poser.
Author:  Reality Check [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: FireFox 3!
In my opinion a nerd or geek is all about the image you portray to others and not by your interests or hobbies. Yes your interests in computers might lead to a geekier image to others but this is not often the case. I can be excited about a web browser and still not be termed a geek.
Author:  [Gandalf] [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: FireFox 3!
This is about the, what, tenth time this debate has been brought up? Rolling Eyes
Author:  apomb [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: FireFox 3!
Reality Check @ Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:31 pm wrote:
In my opinion a nerd or geek is all about the image you portray to others and not by your interests or hobbies. Yes your interests in computers might lead to a geekier image to others but this is not often the case. I can be excited about a web browser and still not be termed a geek.


i disagree, and solely because you used the term "the image you portray". Your interests and hobbies are what define a person, period. "the image one portrays" is a superficial front people put on in order to be accepted. Therefore your argument is invalid.
Author:  rdrake [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:33 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
All this had nothing to do with Firefox 3, so it's been split and put here.
Author:  apomb [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:35 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
Thanks rdrake... wow i actually tried tab-completing your name right there >_<

I figured it was going to be split. If i had super mod powers, i would have done it myself...
Author:  Aziz [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:42 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
I was wondering how I had posted in a topic I didn't know before. If we split every off topic thread - well, that'd be a lot.
Author:  btiffin [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Definition of Nerd and Geek
I'm with Insectoid; prefer Nerd to Geek. But hey, at least we live in a niche of society that has two monikers. Jocks only get one. Smile

When I volunteered for MacLean Hunter Cable (back in the 1970's) I wanted to put on a show; "N" TV. Nuttin' but Nerd. But alas I ended highschool and went off to be a nerd in a new town before getting to air the program.

It's something I'd recommend to anyone; go volunteer at Roger's Cable. Making TV is wicked cool.

Cheers
Author:  apomb [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
but "nerd" has somewhat negative connotations, plus, geeks can have any number of interests, such as a computer geek, a music geek, sports geek et cetera.

Nerd cannot be applied to a plethora of things. Being a nerd implies that you are just nerdy in general.

and to strengthen my point:
Quote:
Geeks:

"A person who has chosen concentration rather than conformity; one who pursues skill (especially technical skill) and imagination, not mainstream social acceptance. Geeks usually have a strong case of neophilia. Most geeks are adept with computers and treat hacker as a term of respect, but not all are hackers themselves - and some who are in fact hackers normally call themselves geeks anyway, because they (quite properly) regard `hacker' as a label that should be bestowed by others rather than self-assumed."

Nerds:

"Pejorative applied to anyone with an above-average IQ and few gifts at small talk and ordinary social rituals."

from: http://web.vee.net/stuff/geek-vs-nerd.html
Author:  PianoScry [ Sun Jul 13, 2008 12:51 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
Wait, you're getting a laptop bought for you? By who!
And why pray tell, would you have it confiscated?

on topic...

I think nerd is an annoying poorly dressed loser with poor sinuses.
Geeks are people who possibly still have friends, but just enjoy and are not ashamed of less popular things, perhaps computers, music, anime, mythical creatures, etc. or all of the above.
Author:  Insectoid [ Sun Jul 13, 2008 2:03 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
Oh, this was part of another thread until they got split, so most of the conversation is missing.

My parents will buy me a laptop when I graduate grade 12 and if I buy one on my own before then, they will confiscate it because they are worried I might get into porn.

My view of nerd/geek is exactly the opposite of yours. Smile
Author:  Unforgiven [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:22 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
Both terms have lost all meaning anyway (assuming they had any). In common speech it's entirely acceptable for someone to brag about how they're a geek because they stood in line for a day for the latest iPhone or other iCrap release, and they they're somehow offended when I mention that it doesn't make them a geek, just a consumer.

I sometimes joke with friends that before they can start talking about being geeks ("oh wow I'm so cool I can install Ubuntu!"), they have to be able to tell me the run time for searching a B-tree, or show how to implement a singly linked list. Exceptions for those who are in other fields of course (I have a friend about to get his Ph.D. in Physics - he qualifies. Then again, he could probably write a linked list just fine, too...)
Author:  Insectoid [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 4:23 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
I consider myself a nerd, and I don't even know what a B-tree or singly linked list is! (1 semester of computer science hasn't taught me enough...)
Author:  Unforgiven [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
insectoid @ Thu Jul 17, 2008 4:23 pm wrote:
I consider myself a nerd, and I don't even know what a B-tree or singly linked list is! (1 semester of computer science hasn't taught me enough...)


THEN GET OUT NOW, N00B.

I kid. You're learning, so you get a pass ;)

In reality, it's meant as a joke anyway, although I think my point comes through with it - "geek" and "nerd" use to mean something about learning, knowledge, information, and creating. Now it just means buying things and owning toys.*




*paraphrased from a rather insightful slashdot post. I'd link it for credit, but I haven't the slightest idea when it was, by who, etc.
Author:  Insectoid [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
Well, I do intend to increase my nerddom over the next 6-7 years to the point where I can write my own operating system! (Well...maybe not THAT nerdy...)
Author:  Unforgiven [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
insectoid @ Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:13 pm wrote:
Well, I do intend to increase my nerddom over the next 6-7 years to the point where I can write my own operating system! (Well...maybe not THAT nerdy...)


Great, the next open and unix-like OS can be called "Insectux".

Somehow, just doesn't roll off the tongue the same.
Author:  Bobrobyn [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:44 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
Nerd, to me, means skilled academically. Geek, means extreme interest that requires technical or pop knowledge. For example, a person who loves computers and pursues programming as a hobby is a computer geek. Someone who loves music is a music geek. Someone who watches Anime 24/7 is an anime geek. And so on.

However, now I pretty much use the terms interchangabley. There doesn't seem to be a consensus in what they mean, so I decided to not bother thinking about it anymore Razz
Author:  rizzix [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:10 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Definition of Nerd and Geek
To me a geek is a technologically astute person who can upgrade himself/herself to a hacker (no not the cracker hacker).

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