/* Something i wrote back in 2002, my other online name is Joeisanerd */
Why is Joe a nerd? First lets start with the definition of NERD.
nerd n: an unstylish or socially inept person; esp : one slavishly devoted to intellectual pursuits.
Ok so the first part of that definition is a little harsh but the second is close enough. I do not have a pocket protector, nor do I wear glasses, but I do have a bachelors degree in computer science and that to some makes me a nerd if they ever saw one.
Are nerds really unstylish? Unstylish to some is stylish to others so how could a nerd be unstylish if he or she sees themself as stylish? The word nerd is left for interpretation.
Do nerds really go home and study constantly? or do they just so happen to be smarter than most people? Slavishly devoted would imply such things, but have you ever meet a person who was completely and utterly engulfed in the pursuit of knowledge and truth (aside from Fox Mulder)? Again this limits that number of real nerds out there.
I claim to be a nerd because I have been called a nerd, not because of my attire but because I have intelligence that just so happen to surpass those that referred to me as a nerd.
/* Update */
Since this writing it has come to my attention that geek has a much nicer definition. Go ahead and google "define: geek" and you will get something like "A term similar to nerd, but slightly less pejorative in tone." and "Geek is a common term for someone who is obsessed by their computer, and has achieved a high level of expertise in their chosen area. ...". The second is by far the most fitting to me :)
