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Definition of a nerd

nerd

noun

  • unsociable, smart person

    Last edited on Dec 01 2005. Submitted by Sharon J. from Coeur d'Alene, ID, USA on Dec 01 2005.

  • a clever but socially awkward person
    Don't waste time with those guys - they're all nerds.

    Last edited on Feb 13 2006. Submitted by Robbie G. from Stroud, Hampshire, UK on Feb 13 2006.

origin

  • Regarding the "unsociable, smart person" definition:

    One folk etymology that was popular during the 1970s goes that "nerd" was originally spelled "knurd". "Knurd" was "drunk" (i.e. intoxicated by alcohol) spelled backwards. In other words: a person who was a "knurd" was the opposite of a "drunk".

    This and other proposed etymologies were collected and published in an article "Origins of the Word 'Nerd'" by John C. Dvorak, published in PC Magazine, Volume 6 Number 10.

    Last edited on Jan 09 2016. Submitted by Anonymous on Jan 09 2016.

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Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'a nerd, geek, dork':

Definitions include: an unsociable, smart person; "nerd".
Definitions include: Geek, nerd, or weirdo.
Definitions include: a dork.
Definitions include: "nerd"; "geek".
Definitions include: typical nerd activity.
Definitions include: relating to or describing a nerd or nerd-related activity.
Definitions include: an intense feeling of joy or excitement due to something nerdy.
Definitions include: "nerdy".
Definitions include: a bit of a nerd, who is fascinated by all things technical, particularly computer-related.
Definitions include: a person who is bookish, antisocial, etc.; "geek"; "nerd".
Definitions include: To be nerd, geek or loser.
Definitions include: fashion influenced by clothing worn by geeks and nerds.
Definitions include: unsociable, smart person
Definitions include: an unintelligent person; "moron".
Definitions include: a nerd (specifically a computer/technological geek).

Slang terms with the same root words

Other terms relating to 'nerd':

Definitions include: to spend time engaging in a nerdy activity.
Definitions include: a greeting.

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