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{{short description|Expert or enthusiast obsessed with a hobby or intellectual pursuit}} |
{{short description|Expert or enthusiast obsessed with a hobby or intellectual pursuit}} |
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{{other uses}} |
{{other uses}} |
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[[File:Geek Picnic (Moscow; 2014-01-26) 28.JPG|thumb|[[Geek girl]] at the [[Geek Picnic]] ([[Moscow]]) wearing a Geek shirt and a [[VR headset]] |
[[File:Geek Picnic (Moscow; 2014-01-26) 28.JPG|thumb|[[Geek girl]] at the [[Geek Picnic]] ([[Moscow]]) wearing a Geek shirt and a [[VR headset]]]] |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2016}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2016}} |
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The word '''''geek''''' is a [[slang]] term originally used to describe [[Eccentricity (behavior)|eccentric]] or non-mainstream people; in current use, the word typically connotes an expert or [[enthusiast]] obsessed with a hobby or [[intellectual]] pursuit. In the past, it had a generally [[pejorative]] meaning of a "peculiar person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual, unfashionable, boring, or socially awkward".<ref name="merriam-webster">{{cite web|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/geek|title=Geek|access-date=January 2, 2016 |work=Dictionary.com-Merriam-Webster entry}}</ref> In the 21st century, it was [[reappropriation|reclaimed]] and used by many people, especially members of some |
The word '''''geek''''' is a [[slang]] term originally used to describe [[Eccentricity (behavior)|eccentric]] or non-mainstream people; in current use, the word typically connotes an expert or [[enthusiast]] obsessed with a hobby or [[intellectual]] pursuit. In the past, it had a generally [[pejorative]] meaning of a "peculiar person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual, unfashionable, boring, or socially awkward".<ref name="merriam-webster">{{cite web|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/geek|title=Geek|access-date=January 2, 2016 |work=Dictionary.com-Merriam-Webster entry}}</ref> In the 21st century, it was [[reappropriation|reclaimed]] and used by many people, especially members of some [[fandom]]s, as a positive term.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-20325517 Are 'geek' and 'nerd' now positive terms?] - BBC News</ref><ref>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2013/12/16/geek-is-now-a-praiseword-not-an-insult-apparently/?sh=5ed3f6d013c2 Geek Is Now A Praiseword, Not An Insult Apparently] - Forbes</ref><ref>[https://www.cjr.org/language_corner/geek.php The transformation of the word geek] - Columbia Journalism Review</ref> |
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Some use the term self-referentially without malice or as a source of pride,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hAzJoAEACAAJ&q=geek+art|title=Geek-Art: An Anthology: Art, Design, Illustration & Pop Culture|first=Thomas|last=Olivri|date=4 November 2014|publisher=Chronicle Books|page=4|isbn=9781452140483|via=Google Books}}</ref> often referring simply to "someone who is interested in a subject (usually intellectual or complex) for its own sake". |
Some use the term self-referentially without malice or as a source of pride,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hAzJoAEACAAJ&q=geek+art|title=Geek-Art: An Anthology: Art, Design, Illustration & Pop Culture|first=Thomas|last=Olivri|date=4 November 2014|publisher=Chronicle Books|page=4|isbn=9781452140483|via=Google Books}}</ref> often referring simply to "someone who is interested in a subject (usually intellectual or complex) for its own sake". |
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The word comes from [[English dialect]] ''geek'' or ''geck'' (meaning a "fool" or "[[freak]]"; from [[Middle Low German]] ''Geck''). ''Geck'' is a standard term in modern German and means "fool" or "fop".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Geck |title=Duden | Geck | Rechtschreibung, Bedeutung, Definition, Synonyme, Herkunft |language=de |publisher=Duden.de |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=June 30, 2014}}</ref> The root also survives in the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] and [[Afrikaans]] [[adjective]] ''gek'' ("crazy"), as well as some [[German dialects]], like the [[Alsatian language|Alsatian]] word ''Gickeleshut'' ("[[jester]]'s hat"; used during carnival).<ref name="merriam-webster"/> In 18th century [[Austria]], ''Gecken'' were freaks on display in some [[circus]]es. In 19th century North America, the term ''geek'' referred to a performer in a [[geek show]] in a circus, [[traveling carnival]] or [[travelling funfair]] [[sideshow]]s (see also [[freak show]]).<ref name="Online-Etymology-Dictionary">{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=geek|title=Geek|access-date=May 3, 2013 |work=Online Etymology Dictionary}}</ref> The 1976 edition of the ''[[American Heritage Dictionary]]'' included only the definition regarding geek shows.{{Clarify|date=December 2017}} |
The word comes from [[English dialect]] ''geek'' or ''geck'' (meaning a "fool" or "[[freak]]"; from [[Middle Low German]] ''Geck''). ''Geck'' is a standard term in modern German and means "fool" or "fop".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Geck |title=Duden | Geck | Rechtschreibung, Bedeutung, Definition, Synonyme, Herkunft |language=de |publisher=Duden.de |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=June 30, 2014}}</ref> The root also survives in the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] and [[Afrikaans]] [[adjective]] ''gek'' ("crazy"), as well as some [[German dialects]], like the [[Alsatian language|Alsatian]] word ''Gickeleshut'' ("[[jester]]'s hat"; used during carnival).<ref name="merriam-webster"/> In 18th century [[Austria]], ''Gecken'' were freaks on display in some [[circus]]es. In 19th century North America, the term ''geek'' referred to a performer in a [[geek show]] in a circus, [[traveling carnival]] or [[travelling funfair]] [[sideshow]]s (see also [[freak show]]).<ref name="Online-Etymology-Dictionary">{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=geek|title=Geek|access-date=May 3, 2013 |work=Online Etymology Dictionary}}</ref> The 1976 edition of the ''[[American Heritage Dictionary]]'' included only the definition regarding geek shows.{{Clarify|date=December 2017}} |
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This variation of the term was used to comic effect in 1970s TV shows such as ''[[Sanford & Son]]'', and ''[[Starsky and Hutch]]''. In the Bounty Hunter episode of 1976 of ''Starsky and Hutch'', stating that "a geek is a freak in a circus side show, who is kept in a pit and they throw snakes and chicken heads at, and he runs around crazy and gobbles them up", and "in 1932 the geeks formed their own union".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://merltheearl.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/episode-22-bounty-hunter-revisited/|title=Episode 22, Bounty Hunter, Revisited|date=March 23, 2013 }}</ref> |
This variation of the term was used to comic effect in the 1970s TV shows such as ''[[Sanford & Son]]'', and ''[[Starsky and Hutch]]''. In the Bounty Hunter episode of 1976 of ''Starsky and Hutch'', stating that "a geek is a freak in a circus side show, who is kept in a pit and they throw snakes and chicken heads at, and he runs around crazy and gobbles them up", and "in 1932 the geeks formed their own union".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://merltheearl.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/episode-22-bounty-hunter-revisited/|title=Episode 22, Bounty Hunter, Revisited|date=March 23, 2013 }}</ref> |
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Professional wrestling manager "Classy" [[Freddie Blassie]] recorded a song in the 1970s called "Pencil-Necked Geek". |
Professional wrestling manager "Classy" [[Freddie Blassie]] recorded a song in the 1970s called "Pencil-Necked Geek". |
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The 1975 edition of the American Heritage Dictionary, published a decade before the [[Digital Revolution]], gave only one definition: "Geek [noun, slang]. A carnival performer whose act usually consists of biting the head off a live chicken or snake." The tech revolution found new uses for this word, but it still often conveys a derogatory sting. In 2017, Dictionary.com gave five definitions, the fourth of which is "a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dictionary.com/browse/geek |title=Dictionary.com: Geek |language=en |access-date=May 10, 2017}}</ref> |
The 1975 edition of the American Heritage Dictionary, published a decade before the [[Digital Revolution]], gave only one definition: "Geek [noun, slang]. A carnival performer whose act usually consists of biting the head off a live chicken or snake." The tech revolution found new uses for this word, but it still often conveys a derogatory sting. In 2017, Dictionary.com gave five definitions, the fourth of which is "a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dictionary.com/browse/geek |title=Dictionary.com: Geek |language=en |access-date=May 10, 2017}}</ref> |
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The term [[nerd]] has a similar, practically synonymous meaning as geek, but many choose to identify different connotations among these two terms, although the differences are disputed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kaestle |first1=Thomas |title=The story of Traceroute, about a Leitnerd's quest |url=https://boingboing.net/2016/04/14/the-story-of-traceroute-about.html |website=Boing Boing |access-date=28 January 2019}}</ref> In a 2007 interview on ''[[The Colbert Report]]'', [[Richard A. Clarke|Richard Clarke]] said the difference between nerds and geeks is "geeks get it done" or "ggid".<ref>[http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/80961/january-17-2007/richard-clarke The Colbert Report 17th of January video interview Richard Clarke]</ref> [[Julie Smith (novelist)|Julie Smith]] defined a geek as "a bright young man turned inward, poorly socialized, who felt so little kinship with his own planet that he routinely traveled to the ones invented by his favorite authors, who thought of that secret, dreamy place his computer took him to as [[cyberspace]]—somewhere exciting, a place more real than his own life, a land he could conquer, not a drab teenager's room in his parents' house."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reconstruction.eserver.org/061/christensen.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011210529/http://reconstruction.eserver.org/061/christensen.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |title=Reconstruction 6.1 (Winter 2006) |publisher=Reconstruction.eserver.org |access-date=June 30, 2014 }}</ref> |
The term [[nerd]] has a similar, practically synonymous meaning as geek, but many choose to identify different connotations among these two terms, although the differences are disputed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kaestle |first1=Thomas |title=The story of Traceroute, about a Leitnerd's quest |url=https://boingboing.net/2016/04/14/the-story-of-traceroute-about.html |website=Boing Boing |date=April 14, 2016 |access-date=28 January 2019}}</ref> In a 2007 interview on ''[[The Colbert Report]]'', [[Richard A. Clarke|Richard Clarke]] said the difference between nerds and geeks is "geeks get it done" or "ggid".<ref>[http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/80961/january-17-2007/richard-clarke The Colbert Report 17th of January video interview Richard Clarke]</ref> [[Julie Smith (novelist)|Julie Smith]] defined a geek as "a bright young man turned inward, poorly socialized, who felt so little kinship with his own planet that he routinely traveled to the ones invented by his favorite authors, who thought of that secret, dreamy place his computer took him to as [[cyberspace]]—somewhere exciting, a place more real than his own life, a land he could conquer, not a drab teenager's room in his parents' house."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reconstruction.eserver.org/061/christensen.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011210529/http://reconstruction.eserver.org/061/christensen.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |title=Reconstruction 6.1 (Winter 2006) |publisher=Reconstruction.eserver.org |access-date=June 30, 2014 }}</ref> |
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==Impact== |
==Impact== |
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[[File:Mazda3-pi.jpg|thumb|Geeks are often associated with a high appreciation for mathematics. Here, an approximation of the number [[pi|π]] (pi) extends from the [[logo]] of a [[Mazda3]], parked at [[University of California, Irvine]].]] |
[[File:Mazda3-pi.jpg|thumb|Geeks are often associated with a high appreciation for mathematics. Here, an approximation of the number [[pi|π]] (pi) extends from the [[logo]] of a [[Mazda3]], parked at [[University of California, Irvine]].]] |
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Technologically oriented geeks, in particular, now exert a powerful influence over the global economy and society.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/october/innovation-economic-impact-102412.html|title=Study shows Stanford alumni create nearly $3 trillion in economic impact each year|work=Stanford News|first=Jamie|last=Beckett|date=October 24, 2012}}</ref> Whereas previous generations of geeks tended to operate in research departments, laboratories and support functions, now they increasingly occupy senior corporate positions, and wield considerable commercial and political influence. When U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] met with Facebook's [[Mark Zuckerberg]] and the CEOs of the world's largest technology firms at a private dinner in Woodside, California on February 17, 2011, ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine ran a story titled "The world's most powerful man meets President Obama".<ref>{{cite news |title=The world's most powerful man meets President Obama |first1=Dan |last1=Amira |date=February 18, 2011 |newspaper=[[New York Magazine]] |url=https://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/02/the_worlds_most_powerful_man_m.html}}</ref> At the time, Zuckerberg's company had grown to over one billion users. |
Technologically oriented geeks, in particular, now exert a powerful influence over the global economy and society.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/october/innovation-economic-impact-102412.html|title=Study shows Stanford alumni create nearly $3 trillion in economic impact each year|work=Stanford News|first=Jamie|last=Beckett|date=October 24, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2014|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921025708/https://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/october/innovation-economic-impact-102412.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Whereas previous generations of geeks tended to operate in research departments, laboratories and support functions, now they increasingly occupy senior corporate positions, and wield considerable commercial and political influence. When U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] met with Facebook's [[Mark Zuckerberg]] and the CEOs of the world's largest technology firms at a private dinner in Woodside, California on February 17, 2011, ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine ran a story titled "The world's most powerful man meets President Obama".<ref>{{cite news |title=The world's most powerful man meets President Obama |first1=Dan |last1=Amira |date=February 18, 2011 |newspaper=[[New York Magazine]] |url=https://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/02/the_worlds_most_powerful_man_m.html}}</ref> At the time, Zuckerberg's company had grown to over one billion users. |
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According to [[Mark Roeder]] the rise of the geek represents a new phase of human evolution. In his book, ''[[Unnatural Selection: Why The Geeks Will Inherit The Earth]]''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.harpercollins.com.au/books/Unnatural-Selection-Why-Geeks-Will-Inherit-Earth-Mark-Roeder/?isbn=9781743095683 |title=Unnatural Selection by Mark Roeder |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312203756/http://www.harpercollins.com.au/books/Unnatural-Selection-Why-Geeks-Will-Inherit-Earth-Mark-Roeder/?isbn=9781743095683 |archive-date=March 12, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> he suggests that "the high-tech environment of the [[Anthropocene]] favours people with geek-like traits, many of whom are on the [[autism spectrum]], [[ADHD]], or [[dyslexia]]. Previously, such people may have been at a disadvantage, but now their unique cognitive traits enable some of them to resonate with the new technological [[zeitgeist]] and become very successful." |
According to [[Mark Roeder]] the rise of the geek represents a new phase of human evolution. In his book, ''[[Unnatural Selection: Why The Geeks Will Inherit The Earth]]''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.harpercollins.com.au/books/Unnatural-Selection-Why-Geeks-Will-Inherit-Earth-Mark-Roeder/?isbn=9781743095683 |title=Unnatural Selection by Mark Roeder |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312203756/http://www.harpercollins.com.au/books/Unnatural-Selection-Why-Geeks-Will-Inherit-Earth-Mark-Roeder/?isbn=9781743095683 |archive-date=March 12, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> he suggests that "the high-tech environment of the [[Anthropocene]] favours people with geek-like traits, many of whom are on the [[autism spectrum]], [[ADHD]], or [[dyslexia]]. Previously, such people may have been at a disadvantage, but now their unique cognitive traits enable some of them to resonate with the new technological [[zeitgeist]] and become very successful." |
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==Fashion== |
==Fashion== |
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{{anchor|Geek chic}} |
{{anchor|Geek chic}} |
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"'''Geek chic'''" refers to a minor fashion trend that arose in the mid 2000s (decade), in which young people adopted "geeky" fashions, such as oversized black [[horn-rimmed glasses]], [[suspenders]]/[[Braces (clothing)|braces]], and [[capri pants]]. The glasses quickly became the defining aspect of the trend, with the media identifying various celebrities as "trying geek" or "going geek" for wearing such glasses, such as [[David Beckham]] and [[Justin Timberlake]]. Meanwhile, in the sports world, many [[NBA]] players wore "geek glasses" during [[Post-game show|post-game interviews]], drawing comparisons to [[Steve Urkel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V0330Drfkk | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/2V0330Drfkk| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Whacky NBA Playoff Fashion! |publisher=YouTube |access-date=June 26, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="wsj-nba">{{cite web|last=Cacciola |first=Scott |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303822204577466402604980564 |title=NBA Finals: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Other Fashion Plates of the NBA Make Specs of Themselves |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=June 14, 2012 |access-date=June 26, 2012}}</ref> |
"'''Geek chic'''" refers to a minor fashion trend that arose in the mid 2000s (decade), in which young people adopted "geeky" fashions, such as oversized black [[horn-rimmed glasses]], [[suspenders]]/[[Braces (clothing)|braces]], and [[capri pants]]. The glasses quickly became the defining aspect of the trend, with the media identifying various celebrities as "trying geek" or "going geek" for wearing such glasses, such as [[David Beckham]] and [[Justin Timberlake]]. Meanwhile, in the sports world, many [[NBA]] players wore "geek glasses" during [[Post-game show|post-game interviews]], drawing comparisons to [[Steve Urkel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V0330Drfkk | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/2V0330Drfkk| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Whacky NBA Playoff Fashion! | date=May 29, 2012|publisher=YouTube |access-date=June 26, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="wsj-nba">{{cite web|last=Cacciola |first=Scott |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303822204577466402604980564 |title=NBA Finals: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Other Fashion Plates of the NBA Make Specs of Themselves |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=June 14, 2012 |access-date=June 26, 2012}}</ref> |
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The term "geek chic" was appropriated by some self-identified "geeks" to refer to a new, socially acceptable role in a technologically advanced society.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert |first=Katie |url=http://people.howstuffworks.com/geek-chic.htm |title=How Stuff works: Geek Chic |date=July 15, 2007 |publisher=People.howstuffworks.com |access-date=June 30, 2014}}</ref> |
The term "geek chic" was appropriated by some self-identified "geeks" to refer to a new, socially acceptable role in a technologically advanced society.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert |first=Katie |url=http://people.howstuffworks.com/geek-chic.htm |title=How Stuff works: Geek Chic |date=July 15, 2007 |publisher=People.howstuffworks.com |access-date=June 30, 2014}}</ref> |
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*[[Akiba-kei]] and [[Otaku]], Japanese slang |
*[[Akiba-kei]] and [[Otaku]], Japanese slang |
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*[[Anorak (slang)|Anorak]] and [[boffin]], British slang |
*[[Anorak (slang)|Anorak]] and [[boffin]], British slang |
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*[[Battleboarding]] |
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*[[wikt:dweeb|Dweeb]] |
*[[wikt:dweeb|Dweeb]] |
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*[[Furry fandom|Furry]] |
*[[Furry fandom|Furry]] |
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*[[Geek girl]] |
*[[Geek girl]] |
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*[[Geek Pride Day]] |
*[[Geek Pride Day]] |
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*[[Geek rock]] |
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*[[Geekcorps]] |
*[[Geekcorps]] |
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*[[Girl Geek Dinners]] |
*[[Girl Geek Dinners]] |
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*[[Preppy]] |
*[[Preppy]] |
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*[[Reappropriation]] |
*[[Reappropriation]] |
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*[[Trekkie]] |
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*[[Video game culture]] |
*[[Video game culture]] |
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{{div col end}} |
{{div col end}} |
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==Further reading== |
==Further reading== |
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* {{cite journal|author=Reagle, Joseph|url=https://journals.uic.edu/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/7879/6629|title=Nerd vs. bro: Geek privilege, idiosyncrasy, and triumphalism|journal=[[First Monday (journal)|First Monday]]|volume=23|issue=1|date=2018-01-01|doi=10.5210/fm.v23i1.7879|issn=1396-0466}} |
* {{cite journal|author=Reagle, Joseph|author-link=Joseph M. Reagle Jr.|url=https://journals.uic.edu/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/7879/6629|title=Nerd vs. bro: Geek privilege, idiosyncrasy, and triumphalism|journal=[[First Monday (journal)|First Monday]]|volume=23|issue=1|date=2018-01-01|doi=10.5210/fm.v23i1.7879|issn=1396-0466 |doi-access= free}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [https://www.scribd.com/doc/270364/Geek-Culture-The-3rd-CounterCulture Geek Culture: The Third Counter-Culture], an article discussing geek culture as a new kind of counter-culture. |
* [https://www.scribd.com/doc/270364/Geek-Culture-The-3rd-CounterCulture Geek Culture: The Third Counter-Culture], an article discussing geek culture as a new kind of counter-culture. |
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* [https://www.academia.edu/9835255/The_Origins_of_Geek_Culture_Perspectives_on_a_Parallel_Intellectual_Milieu The Origins of Geek Culture: Perspectives on a Parallel Intellectual Milieu], an article about geek culture seen in a cultural historical perspective. |
* [https://www.academia.edu/9835255/The_Origins_of_Geek_Culture_Perspectives_on_a_Parallel_Intellectual_Milieu The Origins of Geek Culture: Perspectives on a Parallel Intellectual Milieu], an article about geek culture seen in a cultural historical perspective. |
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* Hoevel, Ann. "[http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/12/02/nerd.or.geek/index.html Are you a nerd or a geek?]" |
* Hoevel, Ann. "[http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/12/02/nerd.or.geek/index.html Are you a nerd or a geek?]" [[CNN]]. December 2, 2010. |
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* [https://www.usatoday.com/life/2003-10-22-geek-chic_x.htm "Geek Chic"], ''[[USA Today]]'', October 22, 2003 |
* [https://www.usatoday.com/life/2003-10-22-geek-chic_x.htm "Geek Chic"], ''[[USA Today]]'', October 22, 2003 |
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* [http://people.howstuffworks.com/geek-chic.htm/printable "How Geek Chic Works"] |
* [http://people.howstuffworks.com/geek-chic.htm/printable "How Geek Chic Works"] |
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{{Fandom}} |
{{Fandom}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Computing culture]] |
[[Category:Computing culture]] |
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[[Category:English-language slang]] |
[[Category:English-language slang]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
[[Category:Fashion aesthetics]] |
[[Category:Fashion aesthetics]] |
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[[Category:History of subcultures]] |
[[Category:History of subcultures]] |
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[[Category:Internet culture]] |
[[Category:Internet culture]] |
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[[Category:Nerd culture]] |
[[Category:Nerd culture]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
[[Category:Stereotypes]] |
[[Category:Stereotypes]] |
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The word geek is a slang term originally used to describe eccentric or non-mainstream people; in current use, the word typically connotes an expert or enthusiast obsessed with a hobby or intellectual pursuit. In the past, it had a generally pejorative meaning of a "peculiar person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual, unfashionable, boring, or socially awkward".[1] In the 21st century, it was reclaimed and used by many people, especially members of some fandoms, as a positive term.[2][3][4]
Some use the term self-referentially without malice or as a source of pride,[5] often referring simply to "someone who is interested in a subject (usually intellectual or complex) for its own sake".
The word comes from English dialect geekorgeck (meaning a "fool" or "freak"; from Middle Low German Geck). Geck is a standard term in modern German and means "fool" or "fop".[6] The root also survives in the Dutch and Afrikaans adjective gek ("crazy"), as well as some German dialects, like the Alsatian word Gickeleshut ("jester's hat"; used during carnival).[1] In 18th century Austria, Gecken were freaks on display in some circuses. In 19th century North America, the term geek referred to a performer in a geek show in a circus, traveling carnivalortravelling funfair sideshows (see also freak show).[7] The 1976 edition of the American Heritage Dictionary included only the definition regarding geek shows.[clarification needed]
This variation of the term was used to comic effect in the 1970s TV shows such as Sanford & Son, and Starsky and Hutch. In the Bounty Hunter episode of 1976 of Starsky and Hutch, stating that "a geek is a freak in a circus side show, who is kept in a pit and they throw snakes and chicken heads at, and he runs around crazy and gobbles them up", and "in 1932 the geeks formed their own union".[8]
Professional wrestling manager "Classy" Freddie Blassie recorded a song in the 1970s called "Pencil-Necked Geek".
The 1975 edition of the American Heritage Dictionary, published a decade before the Digital Revolution, gave only one definition: "Geek [noun, slang]. A carnival performer whose act usually consists of biting the head off a live chicken or snake." The tech revolution found new uses for this word, but it still often conveys a derogatory sting. In 2017, Dictionary.com gave five definitions, the fourth of which is "a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken."[9]
The term nerd has a similar, practically synonymous meaning as geek, but many choose to identify different connotations among these two terms, although the differences are disputed.[10] In a 2007 interview on The Colbert Report, Richard Clarke said the difference between nerds and geeks is "geeks get it done" or "ggid".[11] Julie Smith defined a geek as "a bright young man turned inward, poorly socialized, who felt so little kinship with his own planet that he routinely traveled to the ones invented by his favorite authors, who thought of that secret, dreamy place his computer took him to as cyberspace—somewhere exciting, a place more real than his own life, a land he could conquer, not a drab teenager's room in his parents' house."[12]
Technologically oriented geeks, in particular, now exert a powerful influence over the global economy and society.[13] Whereas previous generations of geeks tended to operate in research departments, laboratories and support functions, now they increasingly occupy senior corporate positions, and wield considerable commercial and political influence. When U.S. President Barack Obama met with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and the CEOs of the world's largest technology firms at a private dinner in Woodside, California on February 17, 2011, New York magazine ran a story titled "The world's most powerful man meets President Obama".[14] At the time, Zuckerberg's company had grown to over one billion users.
According to Mark Roeder the rise of the geek represents a new phase of human evolution. In his book, Unnatural Selection: Why The Geeks Will Inherit The Earth[15] he suggests that "the high-tech environment of the Anthropocene favours people with geek-like traits, many of whom are on the autism spectrum, ADHD, or dyslexia. Previously, such people may have been at a disadvantage, but now their unique cognitive traits enable some of them to resonate with the new technological zeitgeist and become very successful."
The Economist magazine observed, on June 2, 2012, "Those square pegs (geeks) may not have an easy time in school. They may be mocked by jocks and ignored at parties. But these days no serious organisation can prosper without them."[16]
"Geek chic" refers to a minor fashion trend that arose in the mid 2000s (decade), in which young people adopted "geeky" fashions, such as oversized black horn-rimmed glasses, suspenders/braces, and capri pants. The glasses quickly became the defining aspect of the trend, with the media identifying various celebrities as "trying geek" or "going geek" for wearing such glasses, such as David Beckham and Justin Timberlake. Meanwhile, in the sports world, many NBA players wore "geek glasses" during post-game interviews, drawing comparisons to Steve Urkel.[17][18]
The term "geek chic" was appropriated by some self-identified "geeks" to refer to a new, socially acceptable role in a technologically advanced society.[19]
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