The Escapist Presents: Geek, Dork, Nerd

[Slycne]

See the way I see it was that the terms almost form a scale.

A geek is someone who has a passion for something.
A nerd is that passion taken to the point of in-depth study.
And a dork is someone who has passed study and moved into the realm of obsession.

 

[CaptainCrunch]

While I personally can't stand being labeled (cultural identifiers of any type are just discrimination waiting to happen), I would like to bring in some etymology to the discussion:

A "Geek" used to be a circus performer that usually performed an extreme antisocial act, such as biting the head off of a chicken. It now seems to refer to anyone who is obsessive about their interests, which often include technology and other 'intellectual' topics.

"Dork", besides being slang for a penis, generally is used for socially inept people that probably can't really help that they act like a dick. They are often considered the least intelligent among the Geek/Nerd/Dork labels.

"Nerd" tends to refer to people who pursue their intellectual or esoteric interests in favor of social interests. It came into common slang usage in the 50s, referring mainly to people who were not athletic or otherwise 'square'. They still have some social skills, but use them more sparingly. A prime example would be the original portrayal of Peter Parker in the 60s.

It seems there are 2 variables that come into play: intelligence, and social awkwardness.

"Geek" would be a highly specialized, obsessive intellectual with minimal social skills. (INT+2 CHA-2)
"Dork" would be a socially inept, but smarter than average douchebag. (INT+ CHA-2)
"Nerd" would be more well-rounded, with a mix of book smarts and a bit of social ability. (INT+ CHA-)

That said, I'd probably be a nerd.
/capeswoosh

 

[sageoftruth]

They are pretty much labels of people that have been socially outcasted. Its funny, because, I see the terms to have some sort of offence, depending who is using it. Now we use it quite casually, with no offence, to 'each other'. As if we are mocking the people who called us that to originally offend us.
Like the Outcasts in Fallout 3!
Which makes me a geek.

It is interesting when you put it that way. It's like these words have suddenly become the new N word. I think I truly understand why that word really offends people now, beyond the simple, "You can't say that" rule. Like you just said, I am an unashamed geek, but when someone who is clearly not a geek calls someone a geek, it insults both me and geek culture. Thanks for the enlightenment.

 

[FlameUnquenchable]

For those about to Geek/Nerd/Dork, I salute you.

I would definitely fall into all three categories depending on the time of day.

 

[qou2600]

At one point they perfectly described how i view a geek and a nerd but the opposite. I think a geek is someone who is good with computers or at a certain skill but a nerd is someone who is very knowledgeable in a certain subject.

 

[veloper]

So here's my interpretation.

A nerd is is someone who very academically intelligent.
A geek is someone who has obsessions.
A dork is someone with social ineptness on varying levels.

That's correct.

Someone's not a nerd, if they don't have a love and talent for learning, usually computer science and technology.
The geek is the kind of person who goes in costume to fantasy fairs and such.
The dork has neither the love of learning of the nerd or the passion of the geek.

 

[Kimarous]

It's hard for me to determine nerd/geek/dork in terms of particular people. For me, "nerd" is an identity, "geek" is a verb, and "dork" is an insult.

 

[Espsychologist]

Delete my account.

 

[StephenRogers713]

haha oh god my whole family has those star trek talking christmas ornaments haha, and maybe its just my family and friends, but dork has always been a term of endearment, or jokingly insulting.

 

[NaramSuen]

Of the three, the only one I have never been called is Dork. I have always considered myself to be in the Geek/Nerd end of the paradigm.

Also, from this video, The Escapist seems like a cool place to work! A very positive vibe came through. Keep up the good work.

 

[Impluse_101]

I'm a Gork.

 

[Landslide]

My wife calls me a dork when I make particularly geeky jokes.

 

[danintexas]

I am all three honestly.

BTW - I would kill someone with a video card to the spleen to work in a place like that.

*looks around his lab bench and weeps*

 

[Goremocker]

I'm completely focused on you guys making an onion cake badge now. I don't know how you'll do it, but it must be done... I think I forgot what the video was about.... Something about cool people?

 

[newwiseman]

Who doesn't love the MegaMan 3 music in the Background. I'll admit to being a geek.

 

[Landslide]

I made an onion cake badge. Dunno how or if it will be applied though.

 

[Grey_Focks]

Well first of all, Louis Weber- Serj Tankian (from SOAD) Look-a-like?

http://www.offthedial.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/SerjTankian.jpg

Just 'saying.

OT: My thoughts on the matter?

Nerd- Wears glasses, may or may not be socially awkward, has a few nerdy/geeky hobbies, and has somewhat above average intelligence.

Geek- Same as nerd, but without the glasses and intelligence.

Dork- Someone who is socially awkward, usually also a nerd or geek, but they don't have to be.

Which am I? Probably in the middle ground between Geek and Nerd...a "Gneerk" if you will.

 

[The Austin]

"This must have been their god!"

I laughed my ass off at that line.

 

[Landslide]

MmMm. So yummy.