"geek" vs "nerd"

so whats the difference? and what are your opinions on the difference, whatever they may be?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geek
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerd

I don't use either word to refer to someone, think geek has become more socially acceptable though.

 

I've never liked either "geek" nor "nerd" type of reference and still prefer the proper name applicable for anyone who has expertise in any particular field (eg computer specialist/systems analyst/etc). imo proper naming is a way of showing respect towards the individual for expertise in their field.

 

Even though a geek was the carny that would bite the heads off of chickens, the name has become sort of complimentary these days... unlike nerd, which is still a derogatory term.

 

I agree. I like geek
And I don't think it has so much to do with specialists in certain career areas as it does with a subculture of people who are obsessed with technology, science and something like ... gadgetry.

abri

 

You like people who bite the heads off of chickens???

 

I wear either 'hat', if that's what people want call me. I was both long before it became supposedly "cool". Whatever - I know who folks come to in order to sort their stuff out. And if it's done with distain, I charge 'em plenty. "What goes around", and all that.

 

Good, simple contemporary descriptions MA.

But as Phantom pointed out, I don't like the terms if used with disdain...then I find them disrespectful towards others. I only accept usage of either those two terms when done amicably towards someone else.

 

I think you meant Star Wars. Trekkies tend to be Engineers.

 

Now we have the formal definition.....

Yayyyy....I'm a Geek :celebrate