Geeks & Nerds Gifts Ideas
The Difference Between Nerd and Geek?
Plenty of people use both the term nerd and geek as if they mean the same thing. And while sure, the two terms are certainly similar, they aren’t exactly the same!
After all, they are two different words - doesn’t it make sense that they should each mean something different?
Are you wondering now what the true definition of a nerd is? The true definition of a geek? We are here to set the record straight and clear things up. We believe there is absolutely no shame in being either a nerd or a geek.
So, what’ll it be? Are you a nerd, or a geek? What about your friends and family - what category do they fall into? What are we? We’ve got so many questions, but we’ve also got the answers! Let’s get to it.
The Nerds
To start understanding the differences, we are starting off talking about the nerds! What is the true definition of a nerd?
A nerd tends to be an individual who is highly intelligent and incredibly studious.
Typically, a nerd will be focused on one main subject and will excel at it through their hard work and studying.
They always want to learn more and pride themselves on having advanced knowledge of a certain subject.
Getting recognition in the form of awards is a great accomplishment for a true nerd.
The Geeks
So, now that we know a little bit more about nerds, what about the geeks? What makes a geek?
Geeks are more defined by their interest in a specific subject or topic. It is less about studying and more about collecting - either collecting tangible items and memorabilia or collecting trivia facts about that certain topic.
Similar to a nerd, geeks are very knowledgeable about a specific topic they are interested in, but they express it in a bit of a different way.
They also tend to be a bit more social when it comes to their interest, gathering with other fellow geeks to “geek out” and discuss what they love or to play trivia, or play games on the subject.
Geeks tend to be interested in fields of science, or sci-fi in the case of certain TV shows (think Stranger Things, Star Trek etc) or movies.
However, that doesn’t always have to be the case! To be a super fan, or as some might say, to be obsessed with a certain subject, can land you the classification of a geek.
Defining Characteristics
To help further clarify the distinction between the two, here are some main characteristics that can help you identify if someone is more of a geek or a nerd.
✓ Academia
If there is a certain general subject at school that someone is interested in, they are more likely a nerd than a geek.
Studying hard for that subject, caring about their grades, and devoting most of their free time to studying are all pretty clear signs that someone is more in the nerd category.
✓ Collections
If someone is into collecting something, anything really, that almost always places them more in the geek category.
Geeks like gathering and showing off various items that have to do with whatever it is they are interested in.
Researching new items to add to their collections - whether that be something old and classic, or the latest and greatest item on the market, is way more of a characteristic of a geek.
✓ Social life
Nerds are more focused on studying and gaining advanced knowledge on a subject, which by default gives them less time to be social.
Interacting with others and sharing their knowledge isn’t necessarily a priority for nerds.
On the other hand, geeks love finding fellow geeks and getting together to discuss what they love or to attend events focused on it.
Geeks also have a lot of knowledge, but it tends to be more tailored towards social knowledge - such as trivia.
✓ Obscurity
Typically, if someone is into a more obscure topic that not a lot of people know about, the person would more be classified as a geek.
✓ TV shows/movies/games
If a person is super obsessed with a certain TV series, movie franchise, or certain video games, they are a geek.
With this obsession comes a lot of knowledge about the characters, how to play, costumes, and more, as well as a desire to be social to discuss or share trivia about the topic and exchange gifts (think Star Wars-themed gifts for example).
There is a lot of knowledge here, but it isn’t in a ‘studious’ sense like a nerd would be about, say, history.
If you know someone who enjoys getting into character, playing trivia, or spending a ton of time playing a video game, you have yourself a geek!
