Wednesday, July 13, 2011

What's the difference between a nerd, a geek, and a dork?

Official definitions for nerd, geek, and dork each use the words "inept" and "foolish." Nerds have the added distinction of being "unattractive." Ouch. While it's hard to argue with the dictionary, we sought out definitions from the Internet at large.
According to Whatis.com, nerds are people of above-average intelligence who place little importance on their appearance. Nerds are often aware of their status, but they don't mind. In fact, many take pride in the put down, as it means they're smart and not wrapped up in superficial worries.
Geek is a more specific term. Back in the day, geeks worked at carnivals, and (according to the dictionary) "bit the heads off live chickens." Thankfully, the term now has a different connotation. Like nerds, geeks are smart, but they tend to focus more on technology. As Urban Dictionary explains, these are the people you make fun of in high school and later work for as an adult.
Being called a "dork" is the biggest insult of the three. There's no way you can spin it into something positive. After all, even the dictionary writes that dorks are "stupid" people. And to make matters worse, dorks assume they're cool. Oh, and they smell, too.
So, to sum things up, if someone calls you a geek or a nerd, thank them. If someone calls you a dork, consider going back to school and investing in some new deodorant.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Definition of Knerd


nerd
noun /nərd/ 
nerds, plural; nurds, plural
  1. A foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious

  2. An intelligent, single-minded expert in a particular technical discipline or profession
  • Nerd is a term often bearing a derogatory connotation or stereotype, that refers to a person who passionately pursues intellectual activities, esoteric knowledge, or other obscure interests that are age-inappropriate rather than engaging in more social or popular activities. ...

  • The Nerd is a two-act comedy written by American actor/playwright Larry Shue.

  • N.E.R.D (often stylized as N*E*R*D) is an American rock, funk and hip hop band. Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo were signed by Teddy Riley to Virgin Records as a duo, The Neptunes. ...

  • A person who, although having good technical or scientific skills, is introspective and generally introverted

  • Nerds are a form of candy currently sold by Nestlé under their Willy Wonka Candy Company brand.

  • nerdy - Of or like a nerd
nerd also nurd  (nûrd)
n. Slang
1. A foolish, inept, or unattractive person.
2. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.