GEEK
A term used to describe somebody who is single-minded in a technical or scientific pursuit. Traditionally the term implied people alien to society, but with the increasing dependance of society upon technology geeks are becoming respected despite their unconformity. The most common way of identifying a geek is by the amount of time they spend using a computer, and what they use it for. A typical geek will spend a few hours per day using a computer, and they will be doing strange things that normal mortals cannot comprehend. When talking about computers, which they do often, they will utter strange terms such as "GNU/Linux", "Macromedia" or "C++".
Definitions of Geek
21st Century
A geek is a person typically dedicated to learning all (s)he can learn. A geek is also frequently used as a person who is good with technology, especially computers. Geeks may take on tasks such as reading a dictionary or encyclopedias to prove their geekness. Geek is frequently used as an insult, although it is not meant to be. A Geek may also be recognized as a hacker, but not all geeks are.
Late 20th Century
A person with a devotion to something in a way that places him or her outside the mainstream. This could be due to the intensity, depth, or subject of their interest. This definition is very broad, and allows for band geeks, computer geeks, politics geeks, geography geeks, geeks of the natural sciences, music geeks, history geeks, linguistics geeks, sports geeks, SCA geeks, gaming geeks, ham radio geeks, public transit geeks (metrophiles), anime and manga geeks (otaku), Stargate SG-1 geeks (stargate fans), Star Trek geeks (trekkie), Tolkien or fantasy geeks (Tolkienite), geeks of many colours, genders, and styles, and last but not least, Encyclopedia Uselessia geeks (Uselessians).
Early 20th Century
A derogatory term for one with low social skills, often with average intelligence, as opposed to nerds, who are generally viewed as having low social skills but high intelligence. It is theorised that many of these people have Asperger's syndrome.
19th Century
A person who swallows live animals, bugs, etc., as a form of entertainment at fairs etc. This often included biting the heads off of chickens. The Geek would usually perform in a "geek pit." This probably comes from the Scottish geck, meaning 'fool', in turn from Low German.
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