Geek: meaning, definitions and examples

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geek

[ɡiːk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

technology

A person who is very interested in and knowledgeable about technology, especially computers.

Synonyms

enthusiast, nerd, techie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
geek	Often used to describe someone who is very passionate and knowledgeable about a specific topic, especially in pop culture or technology. It can have a positive or neutral connotation, depending on the context. He's such a movie geek; he knows everything about films and directors
nerd	Usually refers to someone who is very intelligent and interested in academic or intellectual pursuits, especially in science and technology. It can have a slightly negative or teasing connotation but is also embraced by some people. He's such a math nerd; he spends hours solving complex equations
techie	Specifically used for someone who is very skilled and knowledgeable about technology and gadgets. This term is often used in professional or hobbyist contexts related to tech. She's a real techie; she always has the latest gadgets and knows how they work
enthusiast	Describes someone who is very passionate and interested in a particular activity or subject. This term is generally positive and can apply to a wide range of interests. She's a fitness enthusiast; she goes to the gym every day

Examples of usage

She's a real geek when it comes to programming languages.
He's such a geek, he built his own computer from scratch.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

pop culture

A person who is passionate about a particular hobby or interest and is often socially awkward.

Synonyms

aficionado, enthusiast, fanatic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
geek	Used to describe someone who is very interested and knowledgeable about a particular subject, especially technology or pop culture. It can have a slightly negative connotation if seen as overly obsessive. He is a computer geek who builds his own PCs. She's such a geek about comic books, she knows every character by heart.
fanatic	Indicates a person with extreme and intense enthusiasm for a particular thing, often viewed negatively as being overly obsessive and unreasonable. He is a sports fanatic and never misses a game. She can be a bit of a health food fanatic, avoiding anything that isn't organic.
enthusiast	Describes someone who is very interested in a particular activity or subject. It is a neutral term and can be used for a wide range of interests. She is a photography enthusiast who spends weekends taking pictures of landscapes. He's a car enthusiast and loves going to auto shows.
aficionado	Represents a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a particular subject, often used in a more positive and sophisticated context, such as art, wine, or music. He is an aficionado of classical music and attends concerts regularly. As a wine aficionado, she can distinguish between the finest vintages.

Examples of usage

He's a total geek when it comes to comic books.
She's a geek for all things related to Star Wars.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'geek' originally referred to a circus performer who showed off unusual talents, particularly in the 19th century.
By the 1950s, 'geek' evolved to describe someone obsessively knowledgeable about electronics or technology.
In contemporary usage, the word has shifted to have positive connotations, celebrating expertise and passion.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters like 'The Big Bang Theory's' Sheldon Cooper personify geek culture, representing intelligence and quirky interests.
Comic-Con events have transformed into grand celebrations for geeks worldwide, showcasing everything from comics to Star Wars.
Recently, 'geek chic' has emerged as a fashion trend, merging geeky elements with stylish looks.

Psychology

Being a geek often relates to a deeper cognitive appreciation for detail-oriented interests and analytical thinking.
Studies suggest that having a passionate hobby can lead to greater life satisfaction and improved social connections.
Individuals often embrace the term 'geek' as a form of identity, prideful of their dedicated interests and communities.

Technology

The tech industry has seen a surge of 'geeks' as the demand for innovative ideas drives tech entrepreneurs and inventors.
Open-source projects are a popular space for geeks to showcase their skills, demonstrating collaboration and community learning.
Computer programming languages often have their own subcultures, attracting others who identify with the geek community.

Education

Many educational programs encourage students to embrace their inner geek, promoting STEM fields like science, technology, engineering, and math.
Geek culture has fostered numerous online learning platforms that help people dive deep into niche interests, like coding or gaming design.
There are now geek-centric conventions and workshops focusing on increasing skills in various disciplines such as robotics and animatronics.

Translations

Translations of the word "geek" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nerd

🇮🇳 गीक (geek)

🇩🇪 Geek

🇮🇩 kutu buku

🇺🇦 ботанік

🇵🇱 maniak

🇯🇵 ギーク (gīku)

🇫🇷 geek

🇪🇸 friki

🇹🇷 inek

🇰🇷 긱 (geek)

🇸🇦 مهووس (mahwus)

🇨🇿 geek

🇸🇰 geek

🇨🇳 极客 (jíkè)

🇸🇮 geek

🇮🇸 nörd

🇰🇿 гик (gik)

🇬🇪 გიკი (giki)

🇦🇿 geek

🇲🇽 geek

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,438 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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31435 retrofitted
31436 hygrometer
31437 gymnast
31438 geek
31439 satiation
31440 prate
31441 stanchion
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