Geek (n.)- Someone who spends a lot of time and energy in a certain area, not necessarily computers or technology; An outwardly normal person who has taken the time to learn technical skills. They are generally not athletic and enjoy video games, comic books, being on the internet, etc.
Nerd (n.)- A socially awkward person who has learned technical skills due to the spare time they enjoy from being generally neglected; one whose IQ exceeds his weight.
Dork (n.)- Someone who has odd interests and is often silly at times. A dork is also someone who can be themselves and not care what anyone thinks. Dorks are typically more noted for their quirky personality.
In short:
Geek- Smart but not awkward.
Nerd- Smart and awkward.
Dork- Smart in less useful areas, awkward but proud regardless.
Updated by Rob:
adding fire to the debate...
7 comments:
Oh yeah, I'm dork all the way.
Geek.
I am a Geek!
What cracks me up is that a Dork is someone smart but in less useful areas - HAHAHHAHAHHA; which I am TOTALLY! I can quote lines from Frank Herbert's Dune, tell you a specific issue number for X-Men, what 1970's 7-11 Slurpee DC superhero cups were made, but I can't quote Shakespeare, write code for programs, or tell you how plastic is made!
Thanks for the visual update Rob!
On a controversial note, I'm gonna claim that these labels represent roles, that is: the types they epitomise are dependant upon a social context, not absolute. Social relations are just that: =relations= see, even the language supports my assertion. Some consider themselves to be what they call alphas, a term first applied in a zoological context to sparrows (I think, you might have to check that) then dogs. What they forget that is, with social species, there is only one alpha in the room at any one time, and if it's not you, you're not an alpha that day.
Sure you may find yourself playing the same role more than once, that's because of the broader social context we call =culture= and you might yourself playing up to a role you've become comfortable with. Personally, I don't submit to any labels: swat, nerd, twat, skinhead, freak, goon, queer, creep, I eschew them all. Actually that's not absolutely true, I did let my peers call me by Captain Scarlet when I was at school, that's because I liked the uniform.
DeadSpiderEye, bringing the deep to this post - sweet!Labels can be used to hurt/subjugate people,but they can also be used to unite people and elevate people as well. And it is true we all play different roles at different times. When my Dad passed away - at his service his co-workers spoke of him not has I knew him but as they did. His "role" at work was not the same "role" at home. But my dorkness is something I'm proud of - shit its why I started this blog and called it the Dork Review:) But labels can also divide people as well when taken as an act of US vs THEM. By the way Captain Scarlet is a pretty awesome nickname. All I ever got as a kid was, "yo lameass!" :)
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