I like to browse the websites about old calculator and computer, particulary about hp, as I have myself a small collection.
In some articles, I have often noticed that calculator fanatics are called "geek" or "nerd". As I am french, I am not able to translate exactly these words and they are not in my dictionary. I suppose it is something humoristic.
Could you tell me what they mean exactly ?
All the best
Pierre
May be a stupid question...
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07-10-2003, 09:15 AM
07-10-2003, 09:32 AM
Hi Pierre,
Thibaut.be
07-10-2003, 10:21 AM
Hello Pierre Geek, and Nerds, which may or may not be the same thing depending on when and where you are (like, 1977 at Cal Tech vs 1998 at MIT etc) have the following general characteristics:
Now in France, everyone is so worried about passing their Bach and getting into "universite" that it is I imagine more acceptable to be earnest in one's studies.....
Bill
07-10-2003, 11:22 AM
I would tend to disagree with the previous, overly broad definition of geek or nerd. These words can be simply stated as the combination of (1) social awkwardness, and (2) obsession with academics. Other types may be fanatical or obsessive about something else, but I don't think that fits the definition of geek or nerd. Interest in alculators, being linked to academics, might fit one part of the definition but not both. However, if you spend so much time thinking about them that you don't know how to participate in any other topics of conversation, then you are probably a nerd. However, if you have a similar problem with sports or motorcycles, that just makes you a jock or a gearhead, which is just as bad, but still different. Perhaps we should put together some common-sense guidelines, like "You might be a nerd if..."
07-10-2003, 12:58 PM
Dear Pierre,
07-10-2003, 11:09 PM
Thank you all for the responses.
07-10-2003, 11:35 PM
Both words have made it into modern American slang and are in the dictionary. Here from the American Heritage Talking Dictionary: Nerd: n. Slang. 1. A person regarded as stupid, inept, or unattractive. 2. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
--------------------------------------------------------- Geek: n. Slang. 1. A person regarded as stupid, inept, or unattractive. 2. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
--------------------------------------------------------- I confess that I have always thought of a geek as more intelectually inclined than a nerd. <An enormous grin> John
07-11-2003, 04:00 PM
Actually the first geeks were those circus performers who went around biting the heads off of live chickens, etc...
07-11-2003, 04:12 PM
It's simple. If you carry your HP in a case with a belt loop attached to your belt you're a nerd. Same rule as in slide rule days. If you carried your slide rule in a case on your belt you were a nerd. I think geek started out with biting chicken heads and then gradually became more or less the same as nerd.
07-11-2003, 04:29 PM
I feel that it is a VERY regional thing. In the Pacific Northwest: Geeks get dates. In may cases the term Geek is place as a badge or grand title like but below Master or Guru. I have talked to some from the Mid West that felt that Geek was a class below Nerd.
07-11-2003, 05:02 PM
Geeks and Nerds used to rank low on the social scale. Now days they rank much higher, it's a case of the geeks and nerds shall inherit the Earth. What does a jock do after school? Is there even life after school? Gearheads don't make big bucks after school. This fact has penetrated the minds of even the dense since Bill Gates. |
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