Geek: a Definition
Craig Jackson
But just what is a geek? you ask. Well, I'll tell you. At
least, I'll tell you my definition... which may be different from "general
usage" of the term, dictionary definition, and even the definition used by
other geeks.
A geek is someone who spends time being "social" on a computer.
This could mean chatting on IRC or ICB, playing multi-user games, posting to
alt.sex.bondage.particle.physics, or even writing shareware. Someone who
just uses their computer for work, but doesn't spend their free time "on
line" is not a geek. Most geeks are technically adept and have a great love
of computers, but not all geeks are programming wizards. Some just know
enough unix to read mail and telnet out to their favorite MUD.
Geeks are generally social outcasts from mainstream America. The ranks of
geekdom are swelled with gamers, ravers, science fiction fans, punks,
perverts, programmers, nerds, subgenii, and trekkies. These are people who
did not go to their high school proms, and many would be offended by the
suggestion that they should have even wanted to. Geeks prefer to socialize
with other geeks, the self proclaimed weird. Therefore they go online to
organize parties, food runs, drink runs, and movie nights, and be assured
that their companions would rather talk about superheros as modern mythology
than the latest football scores.
Geeks are their own society: a literate, hyperinformed underground. The
community accepts people from all walks of life, assuming they have access
to the net and the skill to use it. Geeks are rather openminded with regards
to nonstandard lifestyles. Many geeks are queer, more practice non-monogamy,
and the most common religion is neo-paganism. You can't tell if someone is a
geek just by looking at them, there is no dress code. Some dress casual,
some prefer silk - but few pay attention to current fashion. You are more
likely to see a geek in a renaissance bodice than a dress from glamour
magazine; or a tie-dye instead of suit and tie.
The unwritten geek credo states that originality and strangeness are
good, and that blind conformity and stupidity are unforgivable.
Take care not to confuse the terms geek and nerd. A nerd is a
person with no social skills, usually obsessed with science or technology
(geek is more computer specific). Nerds are known for their pocket
protectors, taped glasses, and plaid shirts. Many nerds are also geeks,
using the net as a safe screen to hide behind while practicing their social
skills. However they rarely come out to be seen in person at live geek
events, so there is little reason to be concerned.
The term hacker tends to refer to the more programming intense set
of the geek crowd. However the term is overused in the popular media, and
therefore is no longer much used among "real geeks". Hacker also has
negative connotations related to cracking, or illegally
obtaining access to computers and accounts.
Geek can also be used as a verb. "To geek" is to sit online and
read mail, news, chat, and otherwise waste time in front of a keyboard.
This "geeking" often consumes many hours, even if the intention was
to "just log in and check my mail." Some would say this time would be better
spent being social in person or even just being curled up in a sunbeam.
Note: mirrored from Craig's
old site (long gone).