Nerds, Geeks, and Dorks

Nerds, Geeks and Dorks

First of all, going back over this post I've noticed that it's totally biased because I am a Geek. So, if you're a Nerd or a Dork please don't try and hunt me down at a later date.

Over the last several weeks I've been discussing the differences and similarities of these three derogatory labels. So, let's start with the Miriam-Webster version of each term.

Nerd: a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious. (Origin: 1950s)

Geek: an unfashionable or socially inept person.
[with adj. ] a person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest : a computer geek. (Origin: late 19th cent.)

Dork: a dull, slow-witted, or socially inept person. (Origin: 1960s)

So, looking at the definitions we can see a couple of similarities. The main one would have to be the notion in all three cases of a person that is socially different. We see socially inept in the geek and dork definitions, and then lacks social skills in the nerd definition. Also, all three words are informal nouns that have come about within the last 100 years.

Differences are present in the terms, so let's look at them for a second. I was surprised to learn that geek was started in the late 1800s whereas nerd and dork were coined roughly 60 years later in the 1950s and 1960s. I would've thought all three terms were roughly the same age. With these types of informal nouns it heavily depends on the social situation and cultural aspects of the group along with the time period as to which term(s) are more derogatory than others. Strictly looking at the definitions dork seems to be the least lovable of the terms, whereas nerd and geek look a little less indemnifying.

I actually started thinking about this a long time ago, and then the thoughts were brought back to the surface last week while I was hanging out at the bistro with a few new friends. One of these new people was a self-proclaimed nerd. I am, however, a self-proclaimed geek. So, the difference is I guess a matter of opinion, but if enough people have the same opinion it can change the meaning of the word, right? Or, at least Merriam-Webster can change it I guess.

Now that we've looked at the definitions and analyzed them a bit I'm going to go into my opinions on the terms and their meanings in the here and now. I'm just going to start with the comparison of a nerd and a geek and then we'll throw dork into the mix later. Why? Because that's how it's happened in these recent weeks and, well...I'm writing the article.

So, it is my opinion that the social awkwardness and book smarts still coexists with some nerds and geeks, but it's in the differences that make the two stand apart. I guess that's true with anything, but I wanted to point out that there are similarities and that is why some people use the words as synonyms. However, when I looked up the three terms in the Thesaurus it seems that none of them are synonyms with each other. That's wierd...of course, so is this post so maybe I'm the only one that thinks people use them interchangeably. Misuse of informal nouns such as these runs rampant but I guess what really interests me is that there is a big enough difference in the terms nowadays to keep them separate, at least, in my mind. Now I'll point out, in my opinion, the main characteristics that are purely nerdy or purely geeky.

Working with Problems - This one is my personal favorite. When given a problem a nerd will get the gold medal every time when it comes to analyzation of the problem. Nerds will look at a problem from all different angles quite obsessively and enjoy every minute. A geek, on the other hand, when given a problem is going to try and find the quickest, most efficient way to solve the problem, and then quickly move on the next one. The nerd will likely do a better job at solving a problem correctly but then they may also use up lots of time, money, coffee, and other various resources to do so. Keep in mind I'm not trying to point out the good or bad in either nerds or geeks. I'm rather just pointing out the differences.

Science versus Design - This one is kind of a hasty generalization, but they all are in a sense so I'm sorry if it offends anyone. Nerds are more interested in Science and geeks are more into Design. Both love their work, but generally that work with nerds is a science related field whereas that work with geeks is a design related field. Looking at a specific field we can see the difference. Let's look at Computer Sciences. Nerds will likely be your Network Administrators, Software Developers, or Programmers. Geeks love not the computer itself but the software programs on the computer that can help them design things. Geeks would be your Web Designers, Graphic Designers, and even Fashion Designers.

Living the Life - Both nerds and geeks tend to be wildly successful in most of their endeavors. Nerds would be more likely to save and act more grown up with money. Geeks are good with money, but tend towards buying expensive clothes, food, and geeky toys. Dating comes naturally to neither species but if they do find true love it's often in another nerd and/or geek. Or perhaps a dork?

Sense of Humor - Geeks. Geeks are funnier than nerds. Of course, I'm a geek so I guess I would think that. Although recently I've met a nerd that is just as funny as me, and a dork. That shows that all rules have exceptions, and that maybe I need to get out there and find more nerds. Anyway, a nerd's sense of humor tends to come from observations of logic, fallacy's, or other quirky things that tend to be in whatever book they're reading. Geeks are more dry-sarcastic in their delivery of jokes but they can have some of the same nerdy origins.

Nerds and Geeks in Movies - In most recent movies I think that Nerds and Dorks are most typically thought of as the not so cool people. Not usually active, poor dressing, etc. Geeks on the other hand, although sometimes chastised, are usually the coolest of the bunch. for example, Neo from The Matrix...total Geek, very cool guy. I guess that the association of what a computer Geek is on the big screen tends to be a positive experience so Geeks get props in this department also.

So, recently, Dork has been brought to my attention. A dork, is in same ways like a nerd or a geek. Dorks get fixated on certain subjects or interests that may take up their entire lives. Dorks are unique in that they...well, they fall down...a lot. That is, they're clumsy. Now Nerds and Geeks are sometimes not so good with balance and/or motor skills in general, but a Dork tends to be more physically clumsy. I haven't had enough time to study enough dorks to tell you about their senses of humor, but maybe some day I'll come back and report on them some more.

For it being a while since I've written a lot I know this is a weird one but stick with me a little longer and I promise things will get more interesting.