geek

[ geek ]

noun

1. a digital-technology expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often used disparagingly by others).
2. a person who has excessive enthusiasm for and some expertise about a specialized subject or activity:

   a foreign-film geek.

3. a peculiar person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual, unfashionable, or socially awkward.
4. a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.

verb (used without object)

1. to be overexcited about a specialized subject or activity, or to talk about it with excessive enthusiasm (usually followed by out ):

   I could geek out about sci-fi for hours.

geek

/ ɡiːk /

noun

1. a person who is preoccupied with or very knowledgeable about computing
2. a boring and unattractive social misfit
3. a degenerate

Derived Forms

• ˈgeeky, adjective

Other Words From

• geeky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of geek¹

First recorded in 1915–20; probably variant of geck (mainly Scots ) “fool,” from Dutch or Low German gek

Word History and Origins

Origin of geek¹

C19: probably variant of Scottish geck fool, from Middle Low German geck

Example Sentences

Brown, Cannick said, loved to cook and play games and referred to himself as a geek.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m past the point where there’s any official treatment, so I troll the edges and study everything. I’m a science geek, and now is a good time for that,” she told THR.

From Los Angeles Times

His years working as a video rental store clerk were pivotal in transforming Quentin Tarantino from a film geek to a Hollywood auteur, the Pulp Fiction director told the BBC.

From BBC

“Now here I came, alright I’m a film geek. My opinion is everything, alright. You can all disagree with me, I don’t care alright. I know I’m right as far as I’m concerned and I’ll argue anybody down.“

From BBC

“The connective tissue between Los Angelinos and Hollywood and film and geek actors and geek technicians is huge. I always look forward to doing L.A. Comic Con because part of the reason I go to Comic Cons is to be in wonder, enchantment and joy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• buffoon
• freak
• nerd
• weirdo