If I *have* to call myself a nerd, let me make a list of reasons.
1) I write fantasy genre fiction.
2) I do a lot of gaming, and dedicate myself to being able to play all genres as well as possible.
3) I love anime.
4) I'm very gradually learning Japanese. No real dedication yet (can't read the pure script), but the actual pronunciation is getting better.
5) I'm part of fan communities, though they are more "dedicated" than rabid type communities.
6) I am far too unique to fit into any one group. Thus, in school though not university, I was a little outcast. Did have other "nerdy" friends, though.
7) I have a brain which actually has some level of electric current in it (i.e. I have some education under my belt, which I actually participated in). As opposed to those who don't, who would be incapable of true nerdiness.
8) I adore debating. Especially on the Internet.
9) I consume a LOT of news media, just for the sake of learning the flow of current events and how to predict other events as accurately as possible.
10) I liked
Grim Fandango a bit. Yes, it deserves to be a reason.
Russ Pitts said:
I think nerd is what other people call you when they don't like the things you like. Perhaps I'm old fashioned. I mean, I know, technically, I'm probably a nerd, because I like science fiction, computers, games, etc. etc. etc. ... but I absolutely hate the word.
Maybe you are old fashioned, but I agree with you. The way the term is used with pride these days is just separating us more from the rest of humanity, and that's one thing the social group doesn't need. Except for the Ultra Hardcore, who think they're too good to be human and must sit in a dungeon-like bedroom in the dark all day editing TV Tropes entries, and hate human interaction.