We explain what a geek is, what types of geeks exist, and what geek culture is. We’ll also discuss the differences between a nerd, an otaku, and a geek. Please read other MTV articles for more information. If you share it, it will be of little help to us.
What is a geek?
The term geek is a loanword from the English language, usually referring to a person passionate about computers, electronics, and new technologies in general. The word is also applied to someone with very specific and unusual interests, associated with fandom (groups of fans who form a community around the subject of their hobby) and memorabilia (objects valued for their connection to a topic).
Originally, the term “geek” referred to a circus or fairground performer with little social talent, who was portrayed as a wild man and whose routine included biting the heads off live chickens or snakes.
Must Read: About Ethnicity
At the end of the 20th century, the word “geek,” along with others like “nerd,” was used to derogatively refer to introverted people with little interest in sports, who were overly intellectual, clumsy, and boring. However, at the beginning of the 21st century, it became a positive term, as a result of the contemporary world’s enormous dependence on technology.
Characteristics of a Geek
Geeks are commonly expected to have a set of personality traits, hobbies, and talents closely related to the world of technology and innovation. Some characteristics often attributed to geeks are:
- Extensive knowledge of computers and technology.
- Interest in the latest technological advances, which sometimes leads them to become compulsive consumers of the latest devices (smartphones, computers, and tech gadgets in general).
- Regular presence on social media, used as a primary (but not exclusive) means of social exchange, through which they share knowledge with other geeks.
- A fondness for fantasy and science fiction books and films, and video games (especially role-playing games).
- Use of slang related to their areas of interest, which abounds in Anglo-Saxon terms.
It is often argued that geeks have little interest or talent for conventional social interaction. However, this is a stereotype, and the so-called “geek world” is much broader and more diverse than it might seem at first glance.
Geek Culture
It is often argued that the rise of geeks in the 1980s is linked to the development of the personal computer market. Over time, geeks grew in popularity and are now considered an urban tribe or subculture, that is, a group with its own practices, values, and habits that differentiate them from the rest of the dominant culture to which they belong.
Geek culture is distinguished by the marked interest its members show in technology—particularly related to computing—video games, and science fiction and fantasy. In general, geeks perceive themselves as creative people who use the internet and social media as channels for social interaction and knowledge sharing. Many of them express a preference for free software and a tendency toward collaborative work.
For several years now, Geek Pride Day (sometimes also called Geek Pride Day) has been celebrated every May 25th in several countries. The date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the release of Star Wars (renamed Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope), which took place on May 25, 1977.
Over the years, geek culture has become an important economic factor. The computer and entertainment industries generate millions of dollars worldwide.
Must Read: About Spoiler
Types of Geeks
Although there is no official typology, there is a tendency to distinguish between three main types or variants of geeks:
Hackers
Their lives revolve around computers and the internet, areas in which they can perform competently, either as activists, hackers, or as mere participants in forums and exchange spaces.
Fanboys and Fangirls
These are geeks whose interests are intensely focused on certain cultural consumer products (series, films, books, or music), about which they know absolutely everything and become specialists.
Gamers
They are fans of video games and the world of digital entertainment consoles, and invest a good part of their time and money in gaming. Some participate in e-sports, either competitively or as amateurs.
Differences between geek, nerd, otaku, and freak
The lines between geek, nerd, otaku, and freak are often blurred, as these are informal categories, often applied without defined criteria, and frequently overlapping. However, some differences can be established between them:
Nerds
They tend to be people with poor social skills. They are usually interested in subjects related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In general, they have high intelligence. They enjoy intellectual and solitary activities, such as chess, go, and classical music.
Geeks
They have a lifestyle focused on technology and certain specific hobbies, but they do not necessarily lack a social life, nor do they have a higher intelligence than others. They enjoy aspects of pop culture, such as science fiction and techno music.
Otaku
Otakus are people with a keen interest in Japanese manga and anime, manifested in their interest in all forms of expression associated with these genres, from comics and cartoons to video games and cosplay (dressing up as a character). Otakus often use the internet and social media to access manga and anime content and exchange experiences with other otakus.
Freaks
They are a group of nerds, geeks, and otakus. The term “freak” comes from the English word “freak” (“misfit” or “weird”). In addition to its general meaning of “extravagant, strange, or eccentric,” it designates a person with an excessive fondness for something. What unites the various groups or tribes of geeks is their passionate attitude toward activities or topics, usually alternative or quite specific. Along with this, geeks tend to bond with people with the same or similar interests.
Must Read: About Monarchy
References
All the information we offer is supported by authoritative and up-to-date bibliographic sources, ensuring reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Geek on Wikipedia.
- What is the difference between a geek and a nerd? on BBC News Mundo.
- Is ‘geek’ the same as ‘friki’? on Muy Interesante.
- What is a Geek, really? (video) on Go!, the Geek Monitor.
- Geek culture, on La Vanguardia.
- The Bizarre Origins of the Words Nerd and Geek, on Britannica.
- Definition of Geek, Concept, Characteristics, Nerd Culture – concepto.de
