"Not to be a nerd, but..."

[martin's a madman]

Nerd: I am one.

 

[Crystal Cuckoo]

I'm not a nerd. That would imply that I'm intellectually-gifted.

Also, nerds tend to be socially inept, which I don't think I am.

Furthermore, nerds prefer the term "intellectual badass", apparently. =D

 

[NoNameMcgee]

Not a nerd or geek.. whatever the difference is supposed to be between the two.

 

[jboking]

My response largely depends on your definition of "Nerd". If a nerd is just smart, sure, put me down. If a nerd must play MMORPG's or DnD, then I am not a nerd.

Here is where the real problem is. There is no definition for nerd, so claiming you are one means that you see yourself as one. Now, even if someone else thinks I'm a nerd, doesn't mean I think I am. For example, a girl came up to me once and told me I had a beautiful voice. I thought my voice sounded horrible. Which one of us was right? Both, technically. She was right in what she viewed, I was right in what I did. Therefore, even if the average escapist is an anime-obsessed, acne ridden, glasses wearing, sci-fi watching, video game playing nerd to us, that escapist may well believe they are not a nerd. So it would make sense for that(admittedly small) group of people to preface some of their comments with, "Not to sound like a nerd, but"

I should clarify one thing. Technically, there is a definition for nerd. However, when using the word in everyday life we rarely follow the Princeton definition.

Oh, and by the Princeton definition, I am not a nerd. That's right, a non-nerd just took the time to write that.

 

[lolandrew4]

I'm a part time nerd, I'm athletic and love sports, but I love video games also

 

[Lambi]

I´m a console and PC gaming nerd...

 

[p3t3r]

well defiantly not your stereotypical nerd. probaly not one at all go to the ocasional party/ dance take to people. just play video games and go on the escapitst really

 

[knight of zendikar]

Nerds rule the world, why not take pride in it.

So true. it is also a common sign of nerdiness when your avatar is art form a magic card or your name is a magic the gathering refrence.

 

[Daedalus1942]

I've been seeing this phrase and variations of it all over the Escapist lately. Whether commenting on an article or just discussing what books we're reading, there are always a few of us that want to preface our (usually not very nerdy at all, actually) opinions with an acknowledgment that we just might come off as nerds.

Frankly, I don't get it. This is The Escapist, people. By virtue of being here, we're pretty much assumed to be nerds.

So my question to all users is this: Do you, in fact, feel that you are not a nerd? If so, what about yourself leads you to this conclusion?

Edit to add second question:

Not to be a nerd but videogames are quite an accepted social meidum, being on a site about them doesent qualify you as a nerd.

I was wondering if someone was going to take this angle, so thanks for being my guinea pig.

You realize that this is an extremely new viewpoint, and not one shared by everyone in or out of the gaming community, right? What would you say changed gaming into a "non-nerdy" pastime? Halo? World of Warcraft? Madden?

Or, do you think it still is?

My understanding is I'm a geek. Nerds are smart, and I'm just a comic, book and game geek.

 

[Kae]

Most probably I am but please define nerd so I can know how nerdy I am

 

[blank0000]

My definition of nerd does not include talking about things I enjoy doing.

 

[Kae]

I am probably a nerd but unlike the nerd stereotype I don't let myslef get bullied, never had in every other aspect I probably am one

 

[Sketchy]

Definite nerd, and REALLY open about it. However, most people don't admit it. When saying to people I am a nerd, they're like, "no you're not".

So I am a nerd, but nobody else will admit it.

 

[Fortesque]

Am I a Nerd. Ill let you decide.

I have been playing Warhammer and 40k tabletop for about 4yrs.
Own a very vast collection of various Video Game and Comic Book chatacter Action Figures.
Own a wooden box with glass front above my computer that houses a crowbar and says "In Case of Headcrabs, Break Glass".
Spend a few thousand $$ buying a new computer, rather than fixing my car.
Can easily have as much fun sitting at home playing League of Legends or CoD4 on a friday night as I would going out.
And I plan to spend this Christmas the same way I spent the last one, getting wasted and playing PS1 games like Silent Hill, Medievil and LAPD: Future Cop all day with my nerd sister.

 

[The Bread is Delicious]

Well, I feel that nerdness is something to take pride in, especially on a site like this. So if you can out-nerd someone on a site with lots of nerds, you are an awesome nerd.

That still won't get you laid though..

Nerds rule the world, why not take pride in it.

I'm a nerd, but if you think about it, nerds rule the world.

I'm not a nerd. That would imply that I'm intellectually-gifted.

Also, nerds tend to be socially inept, which I don't think I am.

Furthermore, nerds prefer the term "intellectual badass", apparently. =D

You all have any points I was going to make so I will simply say that I am an "Intellectual badass" because I often help people fix technology, spend more times on games and internet then tv, play games more then many of my other nerdy friends, am on the academic league, and have been caught on multiple accounts of hurting people with words, yet I still have friends and can't spell for beans. Must try to out nerd nerds!

 

[Aesir23]

I'm a nerd and proud of it!

 

[soulasylum85]

what changes gaming into a non nerdy past time? i yhink if u have to narrow it down to a single game/series i would say it was call of duty. now as to why i am/ am not a nerd, i will use the stereotypes

why i am: have been addicted to games since i was 4
can recite every word to monty pythons holy grail, army of darkness, and grandmas boy
have owned at least 1 system in every gen since nes
have been gaming for over 20 years
favorite game is final fantasy tactics/or mario rpg legend of the 7 stars
suscribe to gamepro
am a member at 5+ gaming sites

why i am not: have alot of real life friends
used to work for harley davidson
am not really good on computers
really into partys and meeting new people
drive a pick up truck
very sociable/ get along with people easily
hate anime
cant stand gaming on pc

 

[War Penguin]

I'm in a bit of dilemma about me being a nerd. I'm sure I'm a nerd, but of what, I'm not sure.
But regardless of what type I am, I'm still proud to be a nerd.