What is the difference between a geek and a nerd?

Question

is there a difference or not?

Answer 1

I think that being a nerd requires being smart, but being a geek just requires being socially awkward.

Answer 2

I was wondering about that myself some time ago. Here's what I found then - I hope it will help you to understand the difference. And you will find something out about dorks, too.


Friday August 18, 2006 Previous | Next

Dear Yahoo!:
What's the difference between a nerd, a geek, and a dork?
Josh
Michigan

Dear Josh:
We've been called all three, and to be honest, we always assumed they meant the same thing. However, according to the cool kids, there are differences.
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 putdown, 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.

Answer 3

Do Believe A Geek is smarter than A Nerd.

Answer 4

I would say a geek is into computers and a nerd is into books. Not that there is anything wrong with that. The more geeks and nerds this world has, the better it is. The give us the neat stuff in life like computers, i pods, and various other things.

Answer 5

it depends on usage, some people use it with no knowledge of subtlty. A geek is an outcast and still dumb, like a circus geek, a really wierd person.

A nerd is a wierd person who is also intelligent and fitting said other nerdy characteristics. Like glasses, tight pants, no style.

You can call a well dressed and personable person either one to say they are smart but isee that as loose usage. Intent of the word is measured by the situation and attitudes of the one making the statement.

This is more a folk distinction, i havn't looked the word up.

Answer 6

Geeks and nerds are similar, but have subtle differences (at least where I am from - it's not the same everywhere).

Both are (usually) of above-average intelligence. Nerds are usually the more bookish Star Trek types, where as geeks are the people who can tell you anything about any video game or role-playing game out there... "Would you like to hear about my 12th level ranger?"

And then don't forget the dorks... who often think they are cool, but just aren't. =]

Answer 7

A geek bites the heads off of live chickens in the circus...Nerds don't

Answer 8

Yes a geek is homely & smart. Nerds are just NERDS

Answer 9

A geek knows less, and a nerd knows more.

Answer 10

I think there is a slight difference, though it's really close. A geek is someone who outwardly may not look "nerdy," like they may dress well and look hip, but their INTERESTS are geeky, like the stereotypical IT brainy person. A nerd is someone who outwardly looks more nerdy, like how they dress - their pants may be hiked up too high and hemmed too short, or they button their shirt to the very top, for instance... thick glasses too, perhaps.