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Out of all of the stereotypes, Geeks, Guidos, Fratbros, N**gas, British, Jock, Hipster, Hick, ect ect. I think Geek isn't remotely the worst of them.

.

Id say im kinda on a balance
I have played 40k since 3rd edition
I have played Fantasy since last edition
I have sometimes taken part in gaming groups (DnD, Rifts, WHFRP, D20 modern)
I love Sci-Fi
I am a huge gamer (PC/Xbox)
I love MMORPGs (excluding WoW)

I play guitar and sing in a Dubstep/techno/metal/hardcore band
I play showroom style piano
I am very outgoing and confident around all kinds of people
And compared to my brother I know when to not say something to the wrong kind of person that might seem "geeky" or a bit over the top and weird

Atleast I hope I have a balance anyway xD

aerethan wrote:I've got an extensive understanding of the warhammer fantasy world.

I know 90% of Boba Fetts story. I know a slowed amount of science and technology behind the Star Wars franchise as well as loads of information on the movies themselves and how they were made.

I played(and would still play if I had a DS) Pokemon the rpg on gameboy.

My Bejeweled high score is 812,000.

I've played World of Warcraft for almost 7 years now.

I've never been prouder.

ok I only have not played 7 years of WoW... I don't own and don't play to.
I play Pokemon got most of the new games, (I hate the latest two)
I LOVE STAR WARS!!!

I'm Proud that I'm a geek, the only thing is if myself and friend start talking about space marine then our other friends start leaving... But I'm still proud

notprop wrote:I like wargaming, I do not consider myself to be a geek.

I like football and play rugby, I do not consider myself to be a Jock (as in US reference not a ginger northerner).

While appreciate what the OP is getting at I do not agree with pigeon-holing myself or others to this extent. Geek/Nerd is a term of derision and should be met with a punch to the face to those trying to label you it. I'm quite sure I would have been worried about it when I was <16, but at 35 I do what I like unless the Mrs tells me otherwise.

For what its worth very few of the Dakknauts (30+) I have met would be considered Geeks in the stereotypical sense, just a bunch of normal blokes that like wargaming.

Be proud of yourself, not the label others would try to give you.

I am Tracuer and a Martial Artist, I still consider myself a geek, Its not bad to be called a geek, I would rather be a geek than a nerd.

I do lots of sports I am proud to be called a geek, but I am also a gamer, a parkour team captain, a knife fighter, a former soccer player before I quit because of the BS that the referees gave me, I also play wargames and also am fond of long walks.

Does that make me a geek. No. Do I like be called a geek yes.

People at my grade level don't understand the Meaning of Tracuer and find it too hard to say and find my a liar because I can't do a backflip.

But anyway geeks are good people

Played soccer my whole life, and still play now. It's what got me into college, and I love it. That being said I am also a wargamer. It's my hobby and if it makes me a geek I wear that label proudly. However I did run into my wife's uncle and cousin in the hobby store the other day. Suffice to say it was hard to put into words what I was doing so I opted for the easiest route. "I am here playing with my little plastic army men that I painted."

I suppose I am proud of being a geek, but not because I have that label, but because I have done actual geeky things. Not like these people that think wearing some thick glasses does the trick. It's like a fashion statement with some, they wear glasses for style, not because they actually need then.

I earned my geekdom. I have poor eyesight and make model soldiers, I did all my qualifications in science subjects and know what Darth Vader's wingmen were called. You think that happens overnight? No I worked at being a geek.

These people that think wearing some harry potter specs and a star wars t-shirt makes them a geek? They make me sick.

terranarc wrote:Out of all of the stereotypes, Geeks, Guidos, Fratbros, N**gas, British, Jock, Hipster, Hick, ect ect. I think Geek isn't remotely the worst of them.

Being British is a stereotype? How stereotypical of me.

I wouldn't say I'm proud of being a geek because it's not like it's something I've achieved, or anything, just a summation of my interests and worldview. But I am happy with who I am, and I don't feel ashamed of any of my hobbies. Now when I was a teenager, that's a different story.

I'm proud to be a geek, though I'm toeing the line when it comes to outright saying "Hi, I'm Si and I play 40k" or owt like that. Told a few mates, all of which are anything but geeks, and it's getting easier. There'll come a time when it's not a problem, but I think you're always nervous to admit something that others may look down on for ... fear (?)... of their reaction.

But yeah - GEEK ON!!!

Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

I'm more of an RE Geek than Warhammer 40k: I have the same Tattoo that Sheva Alomar has...

But I love it, I no longer have to buy a Halloween costume: I just put on my school stuff

Iranna.

chaos0xomega wrote:Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

No, but you do seem to be unaware of the mutability of the English language and how words can adjust to different meanings. For example, I am English, and thus if I offered you a suck on a cigarette, you would no doubt take it in quite the wrong way.

I prefer the term nerd, but geek is acceptable i suppose. And i wouldnt exactly say im proud, but im at least not ashamed.

I'm a nerd. I don't see why I should be proud of it, anymore than I see why anyone should be proud of being a jock.

<----

I am proud of it. social functioning.

star wars diehard, wargaming player, model builder videogamer, and Transformers freak.

I also ride motorcylces a lot, former air force techno weenie (satellite communications)

got myself a nice job being a geek. seems to have paid off quite well for me.

married to a beautiful woman who has huge..... tracts of land, also enjoys wargaming as well as my motorcycles and doesn't give me crap about any of it. (unless it dorks her out completely)

I have a 5 year old daughter that can name the Autobot leaders and the decepticon leaders, and a 1 year old daughter who is right at her heels.

like I said, seems to work well for me.

I'm not a geek! You're a geek!...Denial..

chaos0xomega wrote:Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

you mean of course this? The word geek is a slang term, with different meanings ranging from "a computer expert or enthusiast" to "a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts", with a general pejorative meaning of "a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp[ecially] one who is perceived to be overly intellectual".[1]

the latter of which being its most commonly used form.

Nerd is a term that refers to an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit.[1] Nerds are generally considered to be awkward, shy and/or unattractive by most.[2] Thus, a nerd is often excluded from physical activity and considered a loner by others, or will tend to associate with a small group of like-minded people.

Dork may refer to:
USA pejorative slang for a quirky, silly and/or stupid, socially inept person, or one who is out of touch with contemporary trends. Often confused with nerd and geek, but does not imply the same level of intelligence.
Vulgar slang for "penis"

geek, nerd, dork, whatever. its a term not my name. call me what you like, I am happy.

htj wrote:

chaos0xomega wrote:Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

No, but you do seem to be unaware of the mutability of the English language and how words can adjust to different meanings. For example, I am English, and thus if I offered you a suck on a cigarette, you would no doubt take it in quite the wrong way.

Not really, but it helps that I'm pretty well adjusted to linguistic differences... Regarding differing meanings though, if you look up the history of the term, you will find that it was applied to people like... 'us' because it was such a derogatory term. In a sense, it has fully kept its meaning, people just don't acknowledge it. If you look up the history of the term nerd on the other hand, you will see that its considerably less negative historical connotations, and pretty much was purposefully created to describe people with an interest in this kind of stuff.

Truthfully I don't really care what you call me, I just wish people had more of an understanding of what a word really means and the history behind it when they use it.

chaos0xomega wrote:

htj wrote:

chaos0xomega wrote:Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

No, but you do seem to be unaware of the mutability of the English language and how words can adjust to different meanings. For example, I am English, and thus if I offered you a suck on a cigarette, you would no doubt take it in quite the wrong way.

Not really, but it helps that I'm pretty well adjusted to linguistic differences... Regarding differing meanings though, if you look up the history of the term, you will find that it was applied to people like... 'us' because it was such a derogatory term. In a sense, it has fully kept its meaning, people just don't acknowledge it. If you look up the history of the term nerd on the other hand, you will see that its considerably less negative historical connotations, and pretty much was purposefully created to describe people with an interest in this kind of stuff.

Truthfully I don't really care what you call me, I just wish people had more of an understanding of what a word really means and the history behind it when they use it.

But that's my point, when people call others a geek in anger, they are using the definition Rimmy gave. That is what the word means to them, and that is what they are thinking it is insulting to be called. I know the original meaning of the word, but history doesn't count for much in sociolinguistics. No chickens were harmed in the making of this insult. It simply does not mean that anymore.

JackalLegion wrote:I will be honest, I do keep my gaming social circle and my "public" social circle separate from one another and neither really knows much about the other. It's always been a lot easier on me that way. I probably keep my 40k mistress a lot more quiet now than ever before considering that I'm part of a Southern fraternity and playing with toys at my age is typically a bit frowned upon. My gaming buddies always tell me how weird it is for a "party animal" (whatever that means to them) like myself to be a big time 40k geek. I was a geek long before I became a menace to my campus and I still know where I come from and who I am.

PS: WAAAAAGGHH!!!

I hear you there, man. I was the same way in college, except replace Southern Fraternity with Rugby Team. I found out when I graduated that two other guys on my team also played 40k. I didn't know for 3 years of rugby together. A shame, really.

When I tell people I play tabletop wargames, if they make a face or react negatively I try, once, to explain it a little and help them get over it, if that fails, I dismiss them and their opinion.

I am a geek in as much as that guy who goes on about the football is a geek or that girl who talks about what happened in Hollyoaks or One Tree Hill as though it was real is a geek. We all like different flavours of ice cream as well...

I've taken the title as has my wife, we're happy to be geeks, we can look across a restaurant table at each other lovingly and quote ghostbusters or bladerunner. We do not require the acceptance of others, they can accept us or get out of our way.

No amount of scorn from outsiders disappoints me like the shame of a secret gamer. Be who you are and tell others about it, if they mock you, educate or ignore them.

insults of any kind, nomenclature, stereotypes will only gain power if you allow them to.

I simply just don't care. call me what you like. water off a ducks back. I know my life, I am happy with it, and if you aren't then change it.

simple as that. you think its derogatory, and as such, it is.

I think its funny. like when black folk call each other the "n" word. they've embraced it to remove its racial hatred. whatever.

I embrace being a nerd, geek, or dork. the term has no weight for me.

besides, won't we all have something to laugh at ourselves about?

Nothing wrong with being a geek as long as i am not a Frogboy you know the one sitting at the magic table looking like a bump on a log, smelling like a swamp, devouring everything withing a reach of there stubby arms. Farting in the general direction of my girlfriend when she comes to pick me up(one car family haha) and pass's by there table after i have had a good day of 40k. I will always be a geek when i have kids i want atleast one geek as long as they remember to have something else in there life like mentioned earlier to be balanced.

I'm the nerdiest/geekiest person I know
I'm just not a very good one though
not smart enough

Who isn't sam?

Field Marshal Wiley wrote:Nothing wrong with being a geek as long as i am not a Frogboy you know the one sitting at the magic table looking like a bump on a log, smelling like a swamp, devouring everything withing a reach of there stubby arms. Farting in the general direction of my girlfriend when she comes to pick me up(one car family haha) and pass's by there table after i have had a good day of 40k. I will always be a geek when i have kids i want atleast one geek as long as they remember to have something else in there life like mentioned earlier to be balanced.

I had not heard the term frogboy, but you have just described every gaming shop TFG I have ever witnessed that brings pain in life to realize, that this is what the public see's, not the rest of us.

I have geek kids BTW, girls at that. my daughter told my wife the other day "Mommy, you can give my princess toys to Amelia (my youngest). I just want my room to look like Tron." yes, she said Tron. she is 5. she saw the original with me and then i took her to seen Tron: Legacy. she loved it. *sniff* little nerd makes me all kinds of happy.

Despite engaging in a ton of traditionally nerdish or geeky pursuits, I don't consider myself a "nerd" or a "geek."

I want my room to look like Tron to who wouldnt hahaha. Frogboy is just a local / gaming group name we use to describe the wall of scary that makes most mothers wanna turn around and walk out of the store before even letting her son buy another comic. Still nothing wrong with being a gee/nerd/spaz just take care of yourself and keep atleast one toe in the realm of normality well semi normality

I have met a few people that are just disgusting human beings is all. indignant, rude, morbidly obese, foul smelling people with poor hygiene.

they pretty much offend every sense. and those people perpetrate the idea that everyone who plays at a gaming place, is like that.

most of the people I have met ARE in fact, athletes or enjoy most types of outdoor activities. we just like war games.

I like the frogboy term, it describes pretty much everything that I hate about gaming in one go (I.E. the creeper sitting in the corner that continues to perpetuate the myth that people that partake in this kind of hobby are total freaks and weirdos (I.E. geeks) to the general population, despite the fact that the other 20 guys in the room are all socially well adjusted, successful, laid back every day dudes and dudettes with actual lives and careers, etc.)