Thread: Nerd and geek

Could you explain the difference between a nerd and a geek to me? And what exactly those words mean.

---

Also, I think you'll find that geek can have a kind of positive connotation in some sense, where as nerd not so much? I think the point of geek being technologically linked is right. And to that end, some people are self-described geeks -- it's kind of a fact their proud of, since it means hanging out with a certain group of guys who write computer programs, do MacGyver stuff, make a ton of money, etc.

Good explanation, Charlestonian.

---

Originally Posted by Бармалей

Also, I think you'll find that geek can have a kind of positive connotation in some sense, where as nerd not so much? I think the point of geek being technologically linked is right. And to that end, some people are self-described geeks -- it's kind of a fact their proud of, since it means hanging out with a certain group of guys who write computer programs, do MacGyver stuff, make a ton of money, etc.

Take Bill Gates, for example

Thanks for your help. But I think I heard 'You, nerd!' in a book and it was said rather contemptuously. Then can 'nerd' be abusive and if yes - to what extent?

Тест по теме: http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testi ... 0046738815

I'd say the meanings are very similar and depend on the user. Someone is hardly going to notice the difference in a normal conversation.

And yes, either can be offensive to some degree depending on the situation...

---

Originally Posted by basurero

I'd say the meanings are very similar and depend on the user. Someone is hardly going to notice the difference in a normal conversation.

And yes, either can be offensive to some degree depending on the situation...

basurero, is correct...

The meanings can be used similarily in spoken English, and can depend on the user. And both can be offensive, depending on the use and situation.

Or the meanings can also be positive sometimes. "Best Buy", one the largest electronics stores in the U.S. has teams of highly-skilled Windows/ Macintosh experts, that are called "The Geek Squads" that service on-site computers. Here, "The Geek Squad" is used as a positive.

And many geeks work for the CIA, NSA, and our National Reconnaissaince Office... three of the most powerful agencies of the U.S. Very respected and high-paying jobs.

Originally Posted by Dobry

Or the meanings can also be positive sometimes. "Best Buy", one the largest electronics stores in the U.S. has teams of highly-skilled Windows/ Macintosh experts, that are called "The Geek Squads" that service on-site computers. Here, "The Geek Squad" is used as a positive.

Best Buy may mean those words as a positive, but anybody familiar with Best Buy shudders in horror at hearing that term.

And many geeks work for the CIA, NSA, and our National Reconnaissaince Office... three of the most powerful agencies of the U.S. Very respected and high-paying jobs.

"Our" National Reconnaissance Office? Do you work there? Or did you buy a few shares on the NASDAQ? It was just weird that you said "the" CIA and "the" NSA, but "our" NRO.

Originally Posted by basurero

I'd say the meanings are very similar and depend on the user. Someone is hardly going to notice the difference in a normal conversation.

And yes, either can be offensive to some degree depending on the situation...

Да, я согласен. Это все равно что спрашивать в чем разница между "надо" и "нужно". Эти два слова одинаковы по значаению и выбор какое из них использовать целиком возлагается на юзера.

Originally Posted by Бармалей

Originally Posted by Dobry

Or the meanings can also be positive sometimes. "Best Buy", one the largest electronics stores in the U.S. has teams of highly-skilled Windows/ Macintosh experts, that are called "The Geek Squads" that service on-site computers. Here, "The Geek Squad" is used as a positive.

Best Buy may mean those words as a positive, but anybody familiar with Best Buy shudders in horror at hearing that term.

Yea, I know... but I have met a few 'Geeks' at Best Buy who were experts at tuning and working on overclocked gaming systems... such as Voodoo. I'm not saying Best Buy is 'best'... just giving an example of a 'positive' use of 'geek'. Don't read so much into it.

Originally Posted by Бармалей

Originally Posted by Dobry

And many geeks work for the CIA, NSA, and our National Reconnaissaince Office... three of the most powerful agencies of the U.S. Very respected and high-paying jobs.

"Our" National Reconnaissance Office? Do you work there? Or did you buy a few shares on the NASDAQ? It was just weird that you said "the" CIA and "the" NSA, but "our" NRO.

You're on a rant today, Бармалей!

I used "our" NRO, to mean the U.S. NRO, instead of implying some other nation, such as Britain, etc. Most people, including most Americans, have never even HEARD of the NRO, or know what it does.

But the 'CIA', and 'NSA' are very commonly known, all over the world... NRO is not.

Relax, chill... take a break and go grab some coffee.

Originally Posted by Dobry

Relax, chill... take a break and go grab some coffee.

Oh, I wasn't ranting at all. I was just taking an opportunity to make fun of Bass Buoy -- your example I understood. And I was really just curious why you made it posessive in the case of NRO. And you forgot those guys who work on the spaceships at Area 51. Shame on you. There was no underlying dis, burn, or anything else. So, actually it was you who was reading something into it: you read into it that I was reading into it something. :P Anyway, go drink that coffee.

So can I say mm... 'I'm a nerd'. Meaning that I know programming languages, computers and all that stuff? Wouldn't it sound kinda silly?
"I'm a geek" could be a better choice then?

nerd -- это ботан.
geek -- это типа "фанат". Фанат компьютеров там, или я не знаю что еще ты придумаешь.

Originally Posted by Vincent Tailors

nerd -- это ботан.
geek -- это типа "фанат". Фанат компьютеров там, или я не знаю что еще ты придумаешь.

Спасибо. Почему в словаре nerd часто как "зануда" переводится? Не пойму.

Потому что двуязычные словари suck greatly (не придирайтесь к этому suck greatly высказыванию. Мне оно правда оч. нравится)