Define the word 'geek,' please

Ozzie Al Thor Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

You can be a geek for a certain thing but not BE a geek. Like you're apparently a "Drew Barrymore" geek. You can "geek-out" when the season of something comes out, or a new game comes out or something along those lines. If you got a convention for something then you can "geek-out" for a day or 3.
The line is drawn more if there's 3 or more things that you like a little more obessively then the common person. I'm a geek because I like Video Games, Buffy AND Anime. My wife is not a geek because she only geeks for crappy TV shows (Like Gilmore Girls) and that's it.

Other notes: Geeks are not as socially akward as nerds. We can talk to women and everything! Some of us are even married (with kids!).

Most geeks are okay with the word.

Prophecy Girl 16 Thu, Aug 23, 2007 at 05:05 PM EST

Maybe on the internet it's cool to say you're a geek. But in real life (I'm in high school btw) it's an insult.

Babs Thu, Aug 16, 2007 at 03:26 PM EST

I happened upon this forum because I am writing a nespaper article about nerds, and all I want to say is that I would rather read postings from geeks and nerds than from the losers who post on any generic news or pop culture blog.

Jackie Wed, Aug 1, 2007 at 05:11 PM EST

Mandi - the book title is so intriguing. How did you like the book?

Phoebe Tue, Jul 31, 2007 at 11:41 AM EST

Yeah, and Buffy is not a geek show. Like some people want to believe, just cause they aren't cool enough to watch it.

jslost Thu, Jul 5, 2007 at 05:28 PM EST

I always thought of a geek being those who know they're a geek. Nerds are clueless.

Piper Thu, Jul 5, 2007 at 05:24 PM EST

Wil Wheaton had a piece in his blog about Patton Oswalt talking about geek vs. nerd. Here is the link: http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/2007/06/patton-oswalt-o.html

Joslyn Thu, Jul 5, 2007 at 12:26 PM EST

mh said: Are they all (geek, dork, nerd) interchangable? Or do they each have an individual definition and connotation? Someone should tackle that one.

I know I'm coming a little bit late to this, but I've put some thought into the whole geek vs. nerd, vs. dork debate (perhaps inspired by the old SNL skit "Geek, Dweeb or Spazz?") and I've come up with the Personality Matrix:
http://nyone.blogspot.com/2007/07/personality-matrix.html

Randy Thu, Jul 5, 2007 at 01:37 AM EST

Here's my take on it, first of all I would consider myself a geek, by the simple fact that I can tell you anything about Star Wars, Lost, The Simpsons, I have a toy collection I play all sorts of videogames and spend my time on the internet commenting about pop culture and the such, so a Geek would be someone with a huge fascination over some kind of popculture, that's why people say "your a such&such geek" I myself am a huge film geek.

As for nerds, those are the ones that are smart (dammit.. I chose the wrong social type) they are the ones that over exceed themselves and know about computers and math. It's more of an academic thing.

And then there's dorks, I'm sorry to say they don't have much to do with brain power. Basically they're the ones that snort after telling a really bad joke, the clumsy ones that shyly forgive themselves when somebody bumps into them.

I guess I'm more of a geekydork. With more of an enphasis in geekyness.

? Wed, Jul 4, 2007 at 05:08 PM EST

A geek is someone who is very smart, can fix computers, and proud to be a geek.

Say Say Wed, Jul 4, 2007 at 05:06 PM EST

Geek: Ep Sato

Chuck_A Wed, Jul 4, 2007 at 10:51 AM EST

A geek would be anyone who has hypothesized who would win (in a battle) between a Star Destroyer and a Federation Starship (not that I've ever done that, of course).

mh Wed, Jul 4, 2007 at 09:47 AM EST

Does 'dorky' still have negative connotations? Because I've self-described myself as a dork versus a geek for many of these same interests and for just having a higher fascination for pop culture than any of my friends or family, for that matter. Are they all (geek, dork, nerd) interchangable? Or do they each have an individual definition and connotation? Someone should tackle that one.

Cindy Wed, Jul 4, 2007 at 06:41 AM EST

Allyson Beatrice's mom is right. No wonder her daughter is such a great writer.

Jane Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 07:30 PM EST

i think a geek must be totally into something involving math, science, or computers. that includes sci-fi tv like bsg or buffy, but not, say orchids or baseball cards. thought, if the collector of said cards keeps a database with all the players' stats - total geek!

Bjørn Stærk Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 04:31 PM EST

Geek is not, in my view, a generic term, it doesn't apply to just any person who is obsessed about something non-mainstream. Geek is a particular subculture. It's not easy to define, but that doesn't mean it means almost anything you like. Don't get distracted by the lack of hard borders, there are always gray areas around a subculture. There are a number things that are clearly part of the geek subculture, and if you are interested in these, or feel comfortable around people who are, there's a good chance you'll want to call yourself a geek. And perhaps, in the end, self-identification is all that matters - geek is what those who call themselves geeks do, (which, again, doesn't mean it's an empty label - just that the definition contains recursion).

And yeah it's mostly a positive term, even though it's sometimes used as an insult, and even though there are a lot of uniquely geeky negative personality traits.

Geeksrule Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 04:09 PM EST

Geeks are the best kind of people. Of course they can get boring about WOW or Star Wars. But ComicCon, GenCon, hobby stores, renaissance faires - wherever - you are surrounded by smart, freaky, funny people. Yeah, fanboys put up pix of Jessica Alba, but they will also happily hang with any girl that can talk intelligently. And geeks READ.

EP Sato Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 03:20 PM EST

IMHO, a person becomes a geek when all they have to discuss is one topic. For example, I consider Vespa owners to be scooter geeks if all they can discuss are scooters. Political geeks can only make political jokes and always talk politics. A sci fi geek (the traditional one) will tell hours worth of unfunny anecdotes to non sci fi people and will give them funny looks when they don't laugh at jokes about warp 11.

There's a lot of 'cool' people who dig on sci fi, the whedonverse, star wars and the Kevin Smith movies. Not that digging those things makes one cool. Rather, it's possible to like "geeky" stuff and still be a cool person.

The test lies in not only an ability to discuss more than one subject, but I'd wager also an ability to date outside of the fanbase genepool (sorry, but a whedon geek who dates another whedon geek isn't cool, you've just got two geeks who fell in love).

Oh, and extra points for those into dorky stuff who still dress fashionably...

McGee Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 03:17 PM EST

I much prefer to be labled a geek versus a nerd, which always connoted "bookish and nothing else" to me. I used to wrestle whether or not I was a geek, when deep inside I always knew I was. I mean, I collected comics, lived for Star Wars, embraced Buffy, etc. But I never was socially inept like the guys on Freaks and Geeks. But a few weeks ago I engaged in a heated lightsaber battle in the mall parking lot with a co-worker and just allayed any notions whether I was not one.

Fire Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 03:14 PM EST

After reading all of the comments tha came after mine I think I have to amend my definition a little... A geek is also a person who isn't afraid to show what they are interested in, and how much. (Or is unable to hide it due to sheer interest) I know people who love fantasy novels just as much as I do but they would never admit it in public and I don't consider them geeks. Maybe it's just an acceptance and revelry in a passion that is inherant to all human beings, it's just that our interests aren't what's considered normal.

Cynthia Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 01:40 PM EST

I've always said that "a geek is a useful nerd." (A nerd will tell you you're an idiot for not knowing how to send a picture from your phone, a geek will show you how.) Then again, I went to MIT, so my perspective may be skewed...

Who dey? Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 01:25 PM EST

Geeks are cool. I mean they're people just like you and me. They have problems talking to the ladies sometimes. But who cares? Geeks are nice and so what if they stand in line for 24-36 hours waiting on the next Harry Potter book or movie to come out. They have the things they like too, and we should not judge them for what they like. I'll admit I'm a total Harry Potter nerd/geek. That's because it's a great series and I love every book and movie. I go out every time a new book comes out and get it as soon as the clock strikes midnight. I mean it's no different than these people who are World Of Warcraft geeks/nerds. Again, they have something they like and I think that's cool. Geek can be insulting sometimes but it can also be true. Everyone has certain things they like and it's part of life. Be who you are, not what someone else thinks you should be!

Marc Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 01:07 PM EST

There's a book called "What's the Difference?" that explains the distinctions between things we commonly confuse: alligator vs. crocodile, vanilla vs. French vanilla, rap vs. hip hop...and geek vs. nerd (vs. dork). The book may still be in Barnes & Noble, but someone transcribed the geek/nerd entry on her blog here: http://community.livejournal.com/beautiful_geeks/78130.html#cutid1.

katie jane Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 12:50 PM EST

i think 'geek' still has negeative connotations, which is why i hide my comic books from my sorority sisters, and tell everyone i'm going 'tanning in san diego' when i'm really there for comic-con.

maire Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 12:38 PM EST

This exact topic has come up time and time again in my group of friends (which should tell you right there, we're geeks). We've defined it as previous posts have, someone who is passionate about something, a topic/sport/show/book. To be a geek about something is to have an instant community, be that in line for the next Harry Potter book/movie, at a convention, or standing in the beer line at a hockey game.

The embracing of the not-so-inner geek has become something to be proud of in the last decade. Is it still used negatively? Sure. I feel sorry for those who use it as a negative term, because they must not having something they're geeky for, and to have never felt that rush (that's even more of a high when you find others to "geek out" with) is missing out on a joy in life.

Coach's Mistress Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

Being a "geek" is negative until you need their help.

Nick Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 12:13 PM EST

I feel BAD for people that havn't seen Buffy, Angel and Firefly. Honestly. I feel bad for you people! I may be a geek, and that's fine...but Whedon's work is the best of our time. HANDS. DOWN.

Jenny Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 12:07 PM EST

Geeks do things their own ways. They are THE ONE. Look at Bill Gates and you will know he rules the world. So geeks are the ruler of this world.

Carrie Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 12:01 PM EST

I consider "geek" to be a positive term. Maybe it's meant to be negative, but I see nothing wrong with being recognized for my passions. Although I'm a huge Buffy fan, it's hard to say what's mainstream TV these days. 24 maybe? I'm an Office fan through and through. And not-quite-mainstream music is another passion. I'd say driving six hours for a $20 Mika concert is definitely geeky.

Sean Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 11:37 AM EST

I don't know, why, but when I hear the word 'geek,' I think negative, but the word 'nerd' is positive.

Tipper Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 10:16 AM EST

I hate to be a kill joy but, despite all the love on here, it is most definitely still a negative tag. Maybe not online or with like-minded friends, but in the office, on the street, at a work-related party--totally negative. And, yes, it's still associated with computers, fantasy and sci-fi. And even if you personally call yourself a geek, as someone said, most say it in a self-deprecating way. Someone else also mentioned "Rescue Me" which is perfect for this discussion, because, to me, the characters on that show *are* mainstream America. They're homophobic, rude, sexist, masochistic, dumb and very, very real. That's your man on the street, the popular kids in your school, the gossiping secretaries around the water cooler--and that's the way most of this country thinks. Way I see it, geeks are still on the fringe of society, still shunned for finding joy in "uncool" things like sci-fi, and even if that fringe is getting thicker and stronger and more prevalent, it's still the fringe.

Martha Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 10:11 AM EST

Hey, along with "geek" and "banjo" how about "sample"? sample sample sample sample sample sample sample
Way back when I used to work on the old Word Perfect when color monitors were new, and to change colors it showed you "sample" down the page. Yeah, I know, I'm old.

aramis Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 09:51 AM EST

GEEK: me.
More specifically, a "geek" is someone who owns all seasons on DVD of said "Buffy," "Angel," "Firefly," etc. And then turns around and waits all day long in a line for a phone gadget that will be less two hundred dollars in about six months or so (*coughiPhonecough*).
Needless to say, A "geek" is someone who can partake in all these things while bordering on the edge of "freak" without actually falling over and staying true to being "cool". Cause, let's face it, true geeks rule and are cool and that's just how it is. Gospel according to me...

Ames Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 09:07 AM EST

"Geek" is like "porn" -- it's hard to define, but you know it when you see it. For example, let's say a group is talking about Star Wars. Just movie talk. So you join in and start talking about the mythology and hero's journey. AHA! The group grows silent b/c they realize a geek has entered their midst. A line was crossed from just liking a movie to being a Star Wars geek. But, and say this as one of them, I think the line is an intellectual understanding, not one of blind passion. Something very few sports fan can really argue (and I'm a sports fan, too).

NMW Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 08:42 AM EST

i agree with the defination of a geek as "passionate about something that's non-mainstream." My husband and i also have the sub-genre of "Dork" for those extremely passonate about an aspect of something (an uber-geek). he's obsessed with Capt. Janeway and star trek voyager and can recite whole episodes word for word.

GingerCat Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 08:23 AM EST

I agree with a lot of you--you're a "geek" if you're passionate about something that's non-mainstream. I think it's a great thing. Let your geek flag fly!

Snarf Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 07:14 AM EST

I've learned to imbrace my inner nerd.
Pop culture has caught up and now Genre entertainment has become "the" entertainment de jour with reboots of Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who and Bionic Woman as well as shows like Heroes taking off.

Mike Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 07:13 AM EST

Dude, a "geek" is the guy in the carnival side show who bites the head off of a chicken. Seriously. Ask Stephen King.

bb Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 06:18 AM EST

To me "Geek" means having an obsession (or strong hobby), that is not mainstream acceptable. Being overly obsessed with an idea or subject that most people are not interested in. I'm a computer geek and a pop-culture geek, and I don't care what others thing of it. (hey I'm actually cool), but Buffy? Never seen it. Ask my about Ugly Betty or Lost though...

Amanda Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 02:05 AM EST

I love theatre and I passionately despise the term "theatre geek." I do think there is a negative connotation to the terms geek, nerd, and dork. Even when someone calls him/herself a geek, they mean it to be self-deprecating. It bothers me because I don't think being passionate or knowledgeable about a subject should make one a social pariah. So it's "cool" not to care about anything remotely cultural? If that's true, I guess I'd prefer to be a geek. (Although I'll never cop to it.)

Meo Tue, Jul 3, 2007 at 12:49 AM EST

Sometimes I'm called a geek and it's meant to be negative. Sometimes I'm called a lesbian and it's meant to be negative. I'm both and I don't think they're negative terms because I own them. I wear the geek, it does not wear me.

Seth Green defines geek as someone with a vast knowledge of pop culture. On the other hand I was called a band geek in high school and band has nothing to do with pop culture.

Dio_K Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 11:54 PM EST

I love you, Mandi. You know, but in a completely platonic, buddy kind of way. (Isn't that a geek thing to say?) What a great blog. I thought I knew what geek meant, but after reading these postings, I think it's still in its formitive stage. (I know, it's been around forever, but it's taking on an entirely new meaning.) Banjo!

Jay Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 11:02 PM EST

I love "Buffy" with my entire soul. I love it with every fiber of my being, but I've never been to any conventions, and limit my fandom to enthusiastic conversations. I do own all the DVDS, but I have no comics, no action figures, no posters, and as much as I love her, I will not support Sarah Michelle Gellar every time she makes a crappy movie. The thing is, I feel like as much of a geek as anyone else because my appreciation for the show is just as strong as anyone who runs a Buffy website, or organizes a Buffy sing-a-long.

Stef Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 10:49 PM EST

I think in some ways "geek" is the new "cool." I always get annoyed when someone labels themselves a geek. Usually then I know they're going to go on and on about the travesty that is Firefly being canceled. Same thing with people that declare themselves "weird." You can't label it yourself, you just are.

Jessica Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 09:39 PM EST

I think I still primarily use geek for academia; I refer to myself as a biology geek because I get far more excited about ecology than a normal person would, and I remind my best friend that she is a med-school geek any time she e-mails snippets she finds fascinating from her pathology textbooks. But, obviously, there's a certain amount of pride in with the ribbing and self-deprecating.
I also use it in the pop-culture sense, where it tends to be anyone who is a fan of non-mainstream entertainment (like my love of graphic novels, or my friends' love of any band that isn't on a major record label). I think it crosses into negativity when someone has memorized the klingon dictionary or elvish, but even though I don't understand such levels of geek-dom, I usually (try to) figure that those people are happy and have found their niches better than lots of other people.

Celeste Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 09:11 PM EST

"Geek" is the primary word I use to define myself. I certainly don't consider it an insult — quite the contrary!

I don't think the word "geek" requires any specific definition, it's just if you're into geeky stuff, you're a geek. You decide for yourself, I guess. There are no initiation rites or anything. =P

I'd say geeks *tend* to be kind of voracious about their fandoms — most probably want to know more beyond just what they see on the screen, etc. so they probably do know about the writers, directors, other behind-the-scenes stuff, etc. just on the basis of being hungry for it. Wanting to dissect it and all that.

Grady Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 08:16 PM EST

Like ones political affiliation, religious bent, or sexual orientation being a geek is not the whole of anyone's identity. My wife is very acquainted with my geek tendencies, as well on occasion my co-workers and friends are reminded of my less main-stream interests. My point is that a geek is never only a geek.

Davud Mello Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 07:56 PM EST

I agree with Allyson Beatrice's mom. I've been to Comic-Con for the part three years, and at a few Buffy and Firefly cons. It's a great place for fans to get together face to face

Jen Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 07:41 PM EST

Hooray for all the geeks around! I, too, am a geek - I think it has to do with what you like AND how much you like it. I'd think of a geek as someone who likes sci-fi, fantasy, and/or gaming alot. There are people who like other things like sports a lot - to me, they wouldn't be geeks. Likewise, someone who casually likes sci-fi or fantasy or gaming wouldn't really be a geek either, I think.

I do think it's gotten cooler to be a geek. When I was a kid in the early '90s, practically no one I knew liked Star Wars, so I was a geek. Now, Star Wars is relatively cool because of the rereleases and new movies. Same thing with stuff like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter making fantasy more mainstream. A lot of traditionally "geeky" things are hip right now.

Nose Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 07:30 PM EST

We are all geeks about something. Some of us are traditional geeks in that we like Star Wars or Buffy, but the jock guys who know hockey stats off the tops of their heads, are they not geeks too?

furry_tom Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 07:13 PM EST

RE: "geek" is one of those words that loses its meaning and becomes just kind of a weird noise if you read it too many times.
I know. It's exactly like "banjo".
banjo banjo banjo banjo banjo
I bet if you told someone you play guitar they'd think you're cool, but if you told them you play banjo they'd think you're a geek. Unless you're Steve Martin.

OzLady Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 07:01 PM EST

Being a geek is cool. Unless, of course, you go so far as to actually write a book about it. (totally kidding- Allyson's a friend :-)

As a teacher, I've heard 'my kids' will say "I'm a Math Geek" or "I'm a Science Nerd" and mean it as something wholly positive. But those same kids might derisively refer to someone as "A computer nerd" or "an art geek." I think geekness and nerdydom are in the eye of the beholder, yo. ;-)

Allyson Beatrice's Mom Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 06:55 PM EST

G-groovy
E-excellent
E-exceptional
K-keen

Jessica Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 06:40 PM EST

I have always been a proud Buffy/Angel/Firefly/Serenity nerd or geek or fangirl-whatever you want to label it. Many people feel that sci-fi is cheesy and unrealistic, but in actuality Joss Whedon's work(if I may use the master as an example)is the most beautifully written, unconventionly realistic television/film ever created. If being a "geek" means being intelligent enough to enjoy artistic greatness, sign me up!

Ceballos Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 06:35 PM EST

The way I define "geek" is closer to when Mandi said about how it describes HOW MUCH you're into something.

Most people enjoy going to the movies, but people that are REALLY into it and seek out inside information on actors, writers, directors, etc. are "movie geeks".

Still, for some reason sci-fi still has that stigma attached to it that if you tell someone that you simply watch a sci-fi show, they automatically think you're a geek (they wouldn't do that if you told them you watched "Rescue Me")

I also agree that the word "geek" has taken a turn toward a more positive connotation, since it's kind of implied that you have to be smart to be a geek. I'll say it...I'm proud to be a geek!

Rahul Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 05:53 PM EST

In my experience, a geek has been pegged as a fan of sci-fi.
I feel persecuted anytime I talk about BSG. If you know what BSG stands for (hey Dalton Ross!), then you must be a geek, right?
It's a term that can be used very loosely, no matter what level of fan you are. I couldn't care less if anyone thinks I'm one.

daisyj Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 05:35 PM EST

I don't know if it's negative or positive, but if there's one thing I've learned here, it's that "geek" is one of those words that loses its meaning and becomes just kind of a weird noise if you read it too many times:
geek geek geek geek geek

See?

Gina Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 05:34 PM EST

Look at the fandoms people are called geeks for being into, it's the projects that are pretty much better than anything you can find in mainstream. Us "geeks" recognize the amazing talents in the industry, and that's far from a bad thing. Isn't the person doing the "name-calling" usually someone who thinks the best movie ever is whatever risque comedy last released?

One of my older sisters really likes those kinds of movies; mainstream horror, romance, suspense. She'll ask me to recommend her something but says "None of that sci-fi stuff or boring movies." By boring movies she meant indie films. *rolls eyes* One day I was at her house and had Dead Like Me on, she sat down - watched it, and absolutely loved it. I told her what show it was and explained that all the shows I watch are pretty similar. And she didn't say another word. So, maybe next time she'll give a recommendation of mine an actual chance.

Hallie Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 05:27 PM EST

I'm going to kind of play Devil's Advocate here. I think Mandi was partially right on asking is being geek linked to how much you like something, or how much you know about something. But I think it goes a step farther, to how much you talk about something. I love Buffy/Angel/Firefly, in fact, the entire sci-fi/fantasy genre. But I can sit down with someone who doesn’t and discuss sports, or literature, or politics. I do know some people that can’t, that unless you’re interested in hearing only about what their obsession is, you can’t hold a conversation with them. And that includes people that can’t talk anything but sports, religion, etc. It’s the line between a “like” and an “obsession”.

Martha Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 04:57 PM EST

I'd take Fire's comments a step further and say that the cultural definition of a geek is someone who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about *anything* and, what's more, isn't afraid to show that enthusiasm. This contrasts with the "cool" people who aren't demonstrably enthusiastic about anything, particularly something like Buffy or Star Wars that's not real. However, the term "geek" seems to be applied more to TV/movie fans than, say, fine arts - you hear about Buffy/Star Trek/manga geeks all the time, but never "ballet geeks." Hmm...

Vicky Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 04:52 PM EST

"Or is a geek simply anyone who's passionate about something that you're not into?"

I know that's how my friend probably describes a geek. There's this one guy she knows and she says he's real nice, a big sweetheart, blah blah. So I tell her to go out with him and she responds with: "No, he's too Star Wars for me!"

I was like wow..she's 23 years old and she can't look past things like that. This coming from the girl who adored Backstreet Boys for most of her teen years. Sad.

P.S. I'm a geek and proud of it.

mikey Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 04:41 PM EST

Maybe a more current "Webster's" definition of geek would read something like "geek (n) -- A person of highly refined intellectual taste and discernment, one who is passionate about things truly awesome, revered as a role model in society and highly sought after as a prized mate."
I'd like to think that, but maybe the Internet has just made it easier for geeks to find one another and affirm their geekdom, creating something of a geek echo-chamber.

Fire Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 04:35 PM EST

Huzzah for geek-girl solidarity! I agree with all of the pervious comments. Being a geek is seen as slightly odd, amusing, and bemusing to those who are more main-stream but I don't think it's as big of a social impedament as it used to be. Just look at DragonCon in Atlanta, 45,000 people showed up last year, and there are already more than that pre-registered for this year (Including me!) That alone shows that there are more geeks out there than ever, or perhaps just that we don't feel the need to hide it as much as we used to.

I think that being a geek is defined by having more than the usual enthusiasim/knowledge for something that others wouldn't consider that interesting. People who are still fans of shows that have been canceled for years, people who play role playing games, manga/anime otakus and comic book fanboys/girls... We all qualify, and I'm proud to say all of those and more apply to me!

No Brand Woman Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 04:14 PM EST

First off, I'm so happy and proud to see fellow female geeks/nerds/whatever here! I think the idea of a "geek" or "fanboy/girl" has changed a lot in the past decade or so. For one thing, it's not a male dominated thing anymore as it used to be. It's starting to become more apparent to people that some girls do enjoy gaming, anime, comics, and other geeky things. I think this is most evident in just how much shoujo manga ("shoujo" is Japanese word for "girl", but it refers to a the genre of the manga) is available on the market today. In fact, manga these days seems to almost be female dominated.
I don't think you have to like fantasy or sci-fi to be a geek. Sports fans can be geeks. There are plenty of sports fanboys out there, but they're not called such because being a sports fan is more cultrually acceptable. Same thing for women who collect designer purses. How is that different from any other collector? We're all geeks about something! Let's all embrace our geekdom. It's fun!

Kelly Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 04:07 PM EST

I don't think that geek is a negative thing. I'm a total geek! Gamer, avid water of cult classic television and movies, am always with a book (or four) love the latest tech gadgets...

When someone calls me a geek, either in fun or to try to annoy me, I laugh and thank them.

... and then wait for them to ask me for tech support.

KingLouieXVIII Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 04:06 PM EST

Interesting question that I suppose is way to complex to have a single answer. I'm a self-described geek as well. While my gut instinct was to reply that it constituted being into anything that is not mainstream, further thinking convinces me that this is not entirely the case. STAR WARS, for example, is extremely popular, and that world is filled with geeks. I guess when it all comes down to it being a geek means doing certain things on behalf of something you are truly passionate about and looking less than cool while doing it.

Auriana Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 03:58 PM EST

I do not believe geek to be a negative word anymore...at least not to most people. I myself proudly proclaim my geekdom. The strange thing is that what made me incredibly unpopular and picked on in high school in the 90s is now trendy and acceptable. Gaming has gone mainstream (though I still hold my serious geekdom here by being a Japanese RPG fangirl), anime is popular (no more buying bootleg fansubbed tapes in a tiny basement shop in Chinatown), reading is encouraged and not looked upon as odd and Star Wars is cool again. I got harassed so much in high school for my Star Wars love. I'm a proud otaku gaming, Star Wars loving geek who absorbs fantasy novels and manga like water.
I do think geek can go into other genres outside of the usual culprits. However, though say the Sopranos one could apply...saying your a Sopranos geek just sounds odd. At least to me anyways.

Heather Mon, Jul 2, 2007 at 03:57 PM EST

Being a geek to some is still a negative statement, but to there are so many who do view it as a positive. To me? Totally a positive. (And a good barometer on whether a guy is for you - if you say "I'm a geek" and he says "Aw, don't be hard on yourself" then you know it won't work.) Geek = someone who has a love or passion that they actively seek others to discuss. (Bonus points if you actively seek to discuss that love online.) It's not just sci-fi. There are tech geeks. There are fantasy geeks. The only people who could fall into the category of being a geek (by my definition) but don't are sports fans, because they have their own heirarchy.