Can one be a geek/nerd without math/science/tech skills?

[DerekG]

I have 23 library books out on literature, history, theology and mythology, I've studied the Star Wars prequel trailers with the intensity Oliver Stone did the Zapruder film, and had something of a religious experience while watching "The Fellowship of the Ring."

And yet I have no interest in math, science or gadgets. I don't even know what an ipod is.

Do I qualify for geek status?

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. No, you don't qualify. You are only a nerd.

[LynzM]

2. I think you do...

Somewhere, I saw the definitions of the difference between the two, hang on...

Geek: To identify oneself as a "geek" indicates a recognition that most people still consider programming computers to be a bizarre act, along with a certain fierce satisfaction in being very good at their inglorious profession.

Nerd: An individual persecuted for his superior skills or intellect, most often by people who fear and envy him.

Those aren't the definitions I'm remembering, but they're pretty close. You can be a nerd if you've got a major interest in something, it doesn't have to be technical!

[Oeditpus Rex]

4. Other way around

Nerds are like the "Revenge of the Nerds" guys — into tech and math and stuff. They might also be into Star Trek or something, but that's not required.

OTOH, one can be a Star Trek geek, a Monty Python geek, an RPG geek, etc., without any other skills whatsoever. "Geek" denotes devotion to a non-mainstream form of interest or recreation.

[LynzM]

5. Oops.

Thanks for clarifying! I know that I never feel bad about being called a geek, but nerd is another story. That one tended to come with some really nasty tones of voice!

:hi: What kind of geek are you?

[Oeditpus Rex]

8. I'd like to answer this question

if I may in two ways — firstly in my normal voice, and then in a kind of silly, high-pitched whine.





That give ya a clue?



Oh... I'm also a word geek. :crazy:

[LynzM]

15. LOL, of course!

Shall we call you Minister Rex, then? *grin*

Words are fun! :bounce:

[Omphaloskepsis]

3. Geek..

"To me, a geek is someone intelligent, and very knowledgeable in a specific field or a handful of related fields, who chooses to get very involved in their specific field."

I think it is spot on..

[Lady President]

6. Yes!

Have you ever walked around a law school? Nothing but a bunch of word-nerds. It ain't "The Practice" that's for sure.

[NashVegas]

7. I'd Say 'Yeah'

Geek.

[Ivan Sputnik]

9. Humanities nerd

I think that's what you may be. Sometimes called a "humie":

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Humie&defid=1573330

[mykpart]

10. The Star Wars or LOTR obsessions alone

would qualify you as far as I'm concerned. Congratulations!

[DerekG]

11. Thank you, thank you.

I'd also like to thank Mr. Tolkien, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Roddenberry, Mr. Serling (et al), whose work filled the time that would have otherwise gone too...well, anything but an active social life.

[MissHoneychurch]

12. The library thanks you

:)

[TheBaldyMan]

13. no IMO you are an obsessive compulsive

true geekdom comes from a technical nerdiness that can only be aquired with time and bloody-minded tenacity.

If you don't know what a differential equation is let alone solve one then you would struggle in geek circles. There is still hope , you exhibit severe bookworm tendancies and its never too late to blow what remains of your street cred.

Take an evening course in mathematics and follow it up with a general science subject.

[meegbear]

14. Then you'd be a dork

[Brewman_Jax]

16. Nope

'fraid not. You're more likely an artist.