Geek

Professor Frink from The Simpsons, a stereotypical science geek.

A geek is a person who is fascinated, perhaps obsessively, by obscure or very specific areas of knowledge and imagination. Geek may not always have the same meaning as the term nerd (see nerd for a discussion of the disputed relation between the terms).

The definition of geek has changed considerably over time. Below are some definitions of the word; all are still in use to varying degrees.

A person who is interested in technology, especially computing and new media. Considered derogatory by some. Comparable with the classic definition of hacker. (Late 20th century and early 21st century.)

A person with a devotion to something in a way that places him or her outside the mainstream. This could be due to the intensity, depth, or subject of their interest. This definition is very broad, and allows for mathematics geeks, band geeks, computer geeks, gadget geeks, politics geeks, geography geeks, geeks of the natural sciences, music geeks, theatre geeks, history geeks, Good Eats geeks (Briners), linguistics geeks, sports geeks, figure skating geeks, SCA geeks (SCAdians), gaming geeks, typography geeks, ham radio geeks, public transit geeks (metrophiles), anime and manga geeks (otaku), Stargate geeks (Stargate SG-1/Atlantis fans, Gaters), Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel geeks, Star Wars geeks, Star Trek geeks (Trekkies and Trekkers, the latter noted for costuming), Tolkien or fantasy geeks (Tolkienite), and even Wikipedia geeks. (Late 20th century and early 21st century.)

G.E.E.K., as an acronym, reputedly came from the United States Military; it stands for General Electrical Engineering Knowledge. It is unclear if this was the origin of the current meaning for geek, or if the acronym was used as a humorous reference toward the pre-established meaning for geek (i.e., a backronym).

A derogatory term for one with low social skills, regardless of intelligence. (Late 20th century.)

A person who swallows live animals, bugs, etc., as a form of entertainment at fairs etc. This often included biting off the heads of chickens. The Geek would usually perform in a "geek pit". This probably comes from the Scottish geck, meaning 'fool', in turn from Middle Low German. (19th century.)

The precursor word "geck" or "gecke" has been used in the works of Shakespeare: "Why have you suffer'd me to be imprison'd, kept in a dark house, visited by the priest, and made the most notorious geck and gull That e'er invention play'd on?" (Twelfth Night, V.i). The word also appears in Cymbeline.

Geeking is also a slang term for methamphetamine-induced behaviour of being fascinated with one thing for hours on end, such as repeatedly disassembling and reassembling radios or watches, or lining stones up in order of size. [1] This behaviour is more formally known as punding.

America's Fastest Geek is Nelson Abreu, of Coconut Creek, FL. This was determined by a nationwide competition held by Ziff Davis Media, based on the ability to assemble and start up a working PC in the fastest time.

Geek has always had negative connotations within society at large, where being described as a geek tends to be an insult. The term has recently become less condescending, or even a badge of honor, within particular fields and subcultures; this is particularly evident in the technical disciplines, where the term is now more of a compliment denoting extraordinary skill.

Possible causes

There is no conclusive evidence that either medical or environmental causes are predominant in contributing to a geek-type personality. Technological obsessiveness and difficulty with conventional social interaction might be explained by Autistic Spectrum Disorder, particularly Asperger's Syndrome, as well as by ADHD. But many of these same "geek" attributes can likewise be attributed to simple environmental influences — a love of books leading to a lack of social life, or an early teacher, friend, or family member who provided mentoring in an area coinciding with, and reinforcing, a pre-existing natural aptitude, leading to life-long vocation. However, Geekdom doesn't necessarily imply a lack of social skills. Many geeks have strong social skills but simply aren't interested in mundane matters.

External links

The Original Geek Test 507 questions to determine how much of geek you are
The Geek Code A part of geek history
Geek Of The Day Real profiles of real geeks
User Friendly Popular geek comic strip
Cyberlatam Geek News in Spanish

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Possible causes

See also

External links