Nerds v. Geeks

[gryffin23]

When I first became pregnant, I went on Mumsnet. I found it informative, and I still check back from time to time. However, I could never really connect with the other mums and mums to be on it. I puzzled over the reasons for this, and then I realised that the problem was that none of them would have any idea what a d20 was.

When I told raygungothic about

Comments

[luckykaa]

I always see a nerd as someone without any actual social skills, typically involving a failure to grasp that other people aren't interested in their pet subject.

A geek is different. Normally it describes someone obsessed with a specific topic - usually science or technology based. This term has expanded to encompass a subculture. Most of these enthusiasts are also interested in science fiction, video games, and silly jokes.

There's obviously an overlap between these two groups. I don't really see that "nerd" has been embraced as a cultural term though. Geek certainly has.

[kashinthegreen]

Does this help? http://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Difference-Between-Nerds-and-Geeks

Mumsnet is hilarious, I love AIBU. I don't contribute though.

[kashinthegreen]

Incidentally, not being on my FB you would have missed the sheer joy I got out of the knitted wank mitten story http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/977907-to-expect-good-wanking-etiquette

[gryffin23]

Yes, I generally check the AIBU too. I saw that one but I had forgotten.

[saltnester]

I think weregeek has 'geek'/geek culture down pat...as Weird Al portrays 'nerd' pretty well - sure, there's overlap, but to me "geek" is 'interested in something to the point they can make studing dirt etc. an interesting conversation topic for hours' wheras "nerd" is sort of 'greasy and annoying obsessive fan'. I'd far rather be called the former than the latter.

I had a tangerine or something, but I forgot it.

[minoukatze]

For example, I am currently watching Star Trek: The Next Generation for the first time and of course I swoon over Picard, but why do I also find Data attractive now and am I the only one?

You are most definitely not the only one;)

As for finding nerd/geek mums, I feel your pain. It's as if other nerd girls don't procreate. I know there are others of us out there, but they're hard to find!

Also, I like nerd for some reason.

[gryffin23]

Oh good, I'm so glad I'm not the only one. Any ideas as to why? I think it's possibly because Data's field of information reminds me of my husband.

[the_smut_fairy]

"...possibly called something like Nerdmums..."

Mothership?

[snuggly_llama]

[heart] "Mothership" !

[the_smut_fairy]

*Looks up domain names*

Hmm, the good ones are taken, but there's still room to manoeuvre.

[cath_er_ine]

This is the best reason for having a baby I have thought of so far!