Geek (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what a geek is, what types exist and what geek culture is. Also, differences with a nerd, an otaku and a geek.

What is a geek?

The term geek is a loanword from the English language, which usually designates a person passionate about computing, electronics and, in general, new technologies. The word also applies to someone with very specific and unusual interests, associated with fandom (groups of fans who form a community around the topic of their hobby) and memorabilia (objects valued for their relationship with a topic). .

Originally, the term geek referred to a circus artist or from fairs with little social talent, who was presented as a wild man and whose act included tearing off the heads of live chickens or snakes with his teeth.

At the end of the 20th century, the word geekalong with others like nerd, It was used to refer disparagingly to introverted people little interested in sports, too intellectual, clumsy and boring. However, at the beginning of the 21st century it became a positive term, as a consequence of the enormous technological dependence of the contemporary world.

Characteristics of a geek

Geek people are commonly expected to have a set of personality traits, hobbies, and talents that have to do closely with the world of technology and innovation. Some characteristics that are often attributed to geeks are:

Great knowledge of computers and technology.
Interest in the latest technological advances, which, sometimes, leads them to become compulsive consumers of the newest devices (smartphonescomputers and, in general, gadgets of technology).
Regular presence on social networks, used as the main (but not exclusive) means of social exchange, through which they share knowledge with other geeks.
Affection for fantasy and science fiction books and movies, and video games (especially role-playing games).
Use of jargon, related to the areas of your interest, in which Anglo-Saxon terms abound.

geek culture

It is often claimed that the rise of geeks, in the 1980s, is linked to the development of the personal computer market. As time went by, geeks grew in popularity and, Currently, they are considered an urban tribe or subculture that is, a group with its own practices, values and habits, which differentiates them from the rest of the dominant culture to which they belong.

Geek culture is distinguished by the heightened interest that its members show in technology—particularly that linked to computing—, video games, and science fiction and fantasy. In general, geeks they perceive themselves as creative people which uses the Internet and social networks as channels for social interaction and knowledge exchange. Many of them express a preference for free software and a tendency towards collaborative work.

For some years now, Geek Pride Day is celebrated every May 25 in several countries (sometimes also called Geek Pride Day). The date was chosen because it was the anniversary of the premiere of Star Wars (renamed as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope), which occurred on May 25, 1977.

Over the years, geek culture has become an important economic factor. The computer and entertainment industries move millions of dollars around the planet.

Types of geek

Although there is no official typology, there is a tendency to distinguish between three main aspects or variants of a geek person:

Hackers. Their life revolves around computing and the Internet, areas in which they can perform successfully, whether as activists, hackers or as mere participants in forums and exchange spaces.
Fanboys and fangirls. They are geeks whose interests are very 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 they invest a good part of their time and money in playing. Some participate in electronic sports, either competitively or as an amateur.

You may be interested: Civic and Ethical Training

Difference between geek, nerd, otaku and geek

The dividing lines between geek, nerd, otaku and geek are usually blurred, since they are informal categories, often applied without defined criteria, and which frequently overlap with each other. However, some differences can be established between them:

Nerds. They tend to be people with few social skills. They are usually interested in topics related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In general, they have great intelligence. They like 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. They are people with a great love for Japanese manga and anime, manifested in their interest in all expressions linked to these genres, from comics and cartoons to video games and the practice of cosplay (dressing up as a character). Otakus often use the Internet and social networks to obtain manga and anime content and exchange experiences with other otakus.
Geeks. They are the set of nerds, geeks and otakus. The term geek either geek comes from English freak (“misadapted” or “strange”). In addition to its general meaning of “extravagant, strange or eccentric”, it designates a person who has an excessive fondness for something. What unites the various groups or tribes of geeks is the passionate attitude towards activities or topics, usually alternative or quite specific. Along with this, geeks tend to bond with people with the same or similar interests.