Geek

Geek [ gi ː k] (English slang for nerd, bookworm ) denotes now generally a person who is characterized by a great interest in scientific or fictional themes that are usually electronic (see geek ) or fantastic nature. His origin after the term originally referred to people who were conspicuous by strange deeds ( cf. Freak ).

Word history

The English word " geek " (from Middle Low German word " dude " ) designated in the United States in the 19th and early 20th century people, biting off as part of sideshows at fairs and circuses in living animals head. " Geek " was in this context for a flashy person by strange deeds ( cf. Freak ).

The German word Geck (which also comes from the Middle Low German ) refers to a fool or doors with unsteady, flatterhaftem behavior, Jeck compare in Kölschen and gek in Dutch. It is possible that the origin was in the name of a calf disease, according to which the animals have a twisted and disturbed brain. Later " Dude " was referring to the exaggerated fashionably dressed or behaved mannered man ( " Fashion Plate " Modenarr, German or the English dandy dandy ) and on the Fastnachtsnarr.

Since the 1990s, a change in the use of geek occurred. It connects so now, in complex indirectly related to swot, a person who with a particular topic, especially in computer science, is engaged or has an extrovert may urge for recognition of a separate life.

Computer science or computer geek

In the 20th century, this designation was often used for people who often deal with strong mathematics, engineering or computers in new media. This definition of " geek" comes close to the classic definition of hackers ( or nerd ). The interactive social behavior of geeks in their respective fields as well as the communication of geeks with each other is usually incomprehensible for non-geeks.

Computer geek called a person with strongly increased interest in computers and new media, often with an intense relationship with the Internet.

Under geeks in the computer science distinguishes between various types: For the " Pure Geek " everything should be as purist, he prefers to work with a command line and sets primarily on open source. The " Gadget Geek " enthuses the other hand, even for modern graphical user interfaces, likes to work with Windows or Mac systems and is interested in small electronic devices with entertainment value, which are popularly referred to as " technical toys", such as the iPhone.

Further use

There are other common meanings for the word Geek: The Geek is called a derogatory - often equipped with above-average intelligence - people with poor social skills - or someone who appears to be, (see: nerd ).

Others

In the United States ( " Embrace Your Geekness Day" ) is since 1990 each on 13 July, the " Embrace - your -geek - His tag " celebrated.