So, why “nerd” instead of “geek?”
Well, for one, “nerdversive” sounds better than “geekversive.” but there are other reasons as well. We think “geek” has had its time in the sun and now it is time for “nerd” to shine. We’ve heard folks proclaim themselves geeks with pride, but they avoid being labelled a nerd. It’s time to reclaim and rehabilitate “nerd.” The two terms are often used interchangeably and that, in my opinion, is OK. There is a lot of crossover between what it means to be a geek and what it means to be a nerd. I think that there is some difference between the two.
I associate “geek” with someone who has an intense interest in something; film, comic books, music, what have you. Nerds embody that same kind of passion, but being a nerd implies a more participatory nature, think of the difference between what it means to be a “science geek” and what it means to be a “science nerd.” In the end, it’s really only geeks and nerds who would care about these matters, which makes us all part of the same tribe.
Here’s an infographic to geek and nerd out on. Click and enjoy!
