nerd and geek?

[ullstring]

Are nerd and geek synonymous,if not, how do they differ?
thanks in advance.

[Ouisch]

There is a very slight difference between the two.

A nerd is someone who doesn't fit in with the "popular" crowd. He doesn't dress fashionably, doesn't use the latest slang. He is socially and physically awkward.

A geek sometimes possesses some of those same traits, but he is always very intellectual and has a passion for something academic, whether it be computers, or history, or playing chess. Bill Gates is a good example of a geek.

[ullstring]

There is a very slight difference between the two.

A nerd is someone who doesn't fit in with the "popular" crowd. He doesn't dress fashionably, doesn't use the latest slang. He is socially and physically awkward.

A geek sometimes possesses some of those same traits, but he is always very intellectual and has a passion for something academic, whether it be computers, or history, or playing chess. Bill Gates is a good example of a geek.

I understood what really geek means with your good example.
Could you please set an example for nerd?

[bianca]

Strange, the word 'nerd' was borrowed into Swedish, though slightly changed to befit the Swedish pronounciation (nörd). However, it means 'geek'. Like in: a "computer nerd", not a "computer geek" ('data nörd').

G.E.E.K., as an acronym, stands for General Electrical Engineering Knowledge. (or, is it a backronym?)

I have read that the difference between the terms "geek" and "nerd" is widely disputed. I, for one, often here my students say "I'm such a geek!", where 'geek' is used derogatorily.

[Ouisch]

I understood what really geek means with your good example.
Could you please set an example for nerd?

Urkel (from the old TV show Family Matters) is a typical nerd, as is Lisa Loopner (a character from Saturday Night Live).

[Tdol]

I have read that the difference between the terms "geek" and "nerd" is widely disputed. I, for one, often here my students say "I'm such a geek!", where 'geek' is used derogatorily.

But geek can also be used in a positive way- plenty are proud to be geeks. However, I haven't heard nerd used positively.

[Casiopea]

To me, a nerd is more of a conformist, more of a traditionalist than a geek. A nerd is considered overly intellectual in more than one area, whereas a geek is more of an enthusiast in one main area:

computer geek (complusive, non-conformist)
computer nerd (complusive, conformist)

That's my understanding.

[RonBee]

hear --detect auditory output (Note the ear in hear.)
here --this place

~R

[Tdol]

http://www.plan9publishing.com/sunsh...gpf3_large.jpg

[Casiopea]

http://www.plan9publishing.com/sunsh...gpf3_large.jpg

True!