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Introduction
John Green, co-founder of the Nerdfighters 2009
Quote
Connotation and Amelioration
Connotation is the social meaning of a word, what it means to people rather than a dictionary definition (Oxford English Dictionary Online, ed., n.d.).
Amelioration is defined as a change in connotation, an improvement, a word becoming associated with more positive things (Oxford English Dictionary Online, ed., n.d.)
The Questions
Is there evidence to assume that the words are in the process of amelioration?
Is there a definition difference between nerd and geek?
How does gender, major or career, and first language influence the definition of nerd and geek?
Method
The Survey: Part 1 - Biographical information Part 2 - 8 questions about different types of
people, Would they be considered : Nerd/geek Gender How they feel about this person
Part 3 – Question 9, self identification – yes/no Why?
Example question
8. A person who attends scifi/fantasy conventions in costume. Circle which word you would apply to this person:
Nerd Geek Both Neither This person is most likely:
Female Male Other___Circle the picture that best represents your feeling
about this person:
70 participants from 5 upper division classes 67 students and 3 teachers 25 male, 43 female, 2 not indicated. Age Groups:
(43) 18-24 (12) 25-30 (8) 31-35 (7) above 35
Categorizing Results
Question 9 (Self-Identification Question): feelings towards words nerd and geek
Questions 1 – 8: supplemental information.
Categories
Respondents with generally negative responses Reaction against stereotype.
No Response (to question 9) ~ half more negative ~ half more positive
Respondents with generally positive responses Self-identified using the word nerd Self-identified using the word geek in their
description. Self-identified as both a nerd, and a geek, or said:
“Yes” and went on to describe.
Conclusion Is amelioration happening?
Yes, 67% of responses positive. Both negative and positive connotations (No
response group) still exist, the meanings are still in flux
Definition difference? Words seem to be used interchangeably
Does gender, major or career, first language influence the definition ? Age may have some affect No conclusion for: gender, first language, major Sample group limited
Projection
The words nerd and geek will continue to ameliorate (become completely positive)
The definitions will continue to merge