The Changing Connotations of the Words Nerd and Geek

FROM THIS TO THIS

Rose Crooks & Brandon Fink

Introduction

John Green, co-founder of the Nerdfighters 2009

Quote

Nerdcore Artists

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

In an echo of John Green’s Quote:

“I feel like when you are passionate enough about something that it doesn't matter what other people think, you could call yourself a nerd.”(Quote from survey respondent)