Capn Design Archives: Some Vocabulary

Some Vocabulary

April 22, 2003

It seems that everyone has very different definitions for geek, nerd, and dork. I would like to help create a more concrete definition for each of these. Below are my own definitions and I invite you to add your own in the comments.

Geek: A person who is completely obsessed with any particular subject. Often, the subject is technological in nature but that is by no means required. As a result of this obsession, the geek is rarely accepted by popular culture.

Nerd: A person devoid of all social skills. A true nerd has much difficulty communicating with others and often shows this through his/her clothing and hygene.

Dork: Similar to a nerd, but much cuter. It has more to do with an attitude. In other words, when people deal with a certain stimulus in an unexpected, and often slightly nerdy, way. Dork is the most subjective of the three.

Comments (3 comments so far)

Comment #1:

I think my defnitions would switch "nerd" and "dork." Interesting.

Posted by Lizzie on April 22, 2003 at 10:20PM

Comment #2:

works for me!

Posted by Kristen on April 23, 2003 at 3:01AM

Comment #3:

I think you're right about geek, and also about nerds and dorks being defined as socially "off." I've always thought, though, that nerd has a "smart" lean to it and dork a "dumb" or "goofy" lean.

Posted by Wendy on April 23, 2003 at 11:35AM

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