5 ms·

The fact that "nerd" is pejorative is linked to the way grades aren't read aloud. The "nerd" pejorative isn't about doing well academically, it's more about br

by xamuel 10y ago

The fact that "nerd" is pejorative is linked to the way grades aren't read aloud. The "nerd" pejorative isn't about doing well academically, it's more about bragging and obsessing. It's about making academic performance part of your identity. That's what people think is uncool. It's not like the quarterback loses points if he happens to be smart. He just shouldn't flaunt it or obsess about it.

JoeAltmaier 10y ago
Hm Im an American (and a Nerd) and that doesn't sound at all right to me. The N word is used to denigrate anyone who does well academically. Its used to shore up self-image for those that don't do well I imagine - "Sure Joe is great at this subject but that's Nerdy so Ha! I'm superior to him" There was never any need to brag, to be called a Nerd. Just score well, and the bullies would whisper (and yell in the hall) Nerd!
- meddlepal 10y ago
  How did the bullies know Joe did well if he didn't brag?
  - karlkeefer 10y ago
    Praise from teachers. Other visible signals, like reading voluntarily, showing interest in challenging work, etc. I agree that bragging isn't really part of being a nerd.
  - dragontamer 10y ago
    You go to a school where the grades are read out loud or published in some form. This isn't unique to the Middle East. Its often no secret who the valedictorian of your class will be in my experience (American school)... even if the grades weren't revealed. In any case, "Nerd" in my experience means something closer to the hobbies you persue. "Geeks" play video games and academically do good in "computer stuff" and music. "Nerds" pursue theater, LARP, and table-top RPGs (Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, World of Darkness, etc.) The intersection of "Nerds" and "Geeks" is anime, comic book heroes, and sci-fi.
    - bobwaycott 10y ago
      > The intersection of "Nerds" and "Geeks" is anime, comic book heroes, and sci-fi. Don't forget diminished desirability by those in whom one has a romantic interest (at least until well after adolescence). :)
  - CapitalistCartr 10y ago
    Teachers talk in class when they shouldn't. "Hey Teacher, how much is the curve on this test gonna be?" "Well, it won't be anything because John got a 100." [Angry glares at John]
    - fullshark 10y ago
      This idea contradicts the OPs' theory.
      - CapitalistCartr 10y ago
        I don't think so. If the teacher announces everyone's grade formally, it makes it clear grade is important. If the teacher only points out the"Special" student that always does the best in every class, it becomes a miserable experience. And I assure you this part isn't an idea.
  - bobwaycott 10y ago
    Participation. Always having the right answers. Helping others. Spying the grades when papers are handed back. Never complaining about low grades. Showing no signs of stress or worry about exams. Asking questions for more information not already discussed or immediately relevant to the topic under consideration. The way a student carries on conversation. Being asked what grade s/he earned and divulging that information. I went through many schools as a child. I never bragged about my grades. Everyone always picked up on me being a straight-A student very quickly.
- eplanit 10y ago
  Actually this is the "dork" vs. "nerd" distinction. People now self-identify as "nerd" as self-aggrandizing (annoying actual nerds[1]). Being called a Dork has always been an insult and pejorative. In my understanding, a Dork is a Nerd, but a Nerd is not necessarily a Dork -- unless so proclaimed by one or more so-called bullies. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJyMT4ZVQEc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJyMT4ZVQEc
  - hobs 10y ago
    That would be a distinction lost on anyone who isnt prone to over analyzing the situation, not a hallmark of schoolyard bullies.
- sehr 10y ago
  That might have been true 10,20 years ago. Don't know about now
- paavokoya 10y ago
  When did HN become a place for trite generalizations? Do people really believe that every case of nerd shaming is the same? We can go on all day about school-teasing name-calling.

by xamuel 10y ago

JoeAltmaier 10y ago

Hm Im an American (and a Nerd) and that doesn't sound at all right to me. The N word is used to denigrate anyone who does well academically. Its used to shore up self-image for those that don't do well I imagine - "Sure Joe is great at this subject but that's Nerdy so Ha! I'm superior to him" There was never any need to brag, to be called a Nerd. Just score well, and the bullies would whisper (and yell in the hall) Nerd!

meddlepal 10y ago
How did the bullies know Joe did well if he didn't brag?
- karlkeefer 10y ago
  Praise from teachers. Other visible signals, like reading voluntarily, showing interest in challenging work, etc. I agree that bragging isn't really part of being a nerd.
- dragontamer 10y ago
  You go to a school where the grades are read out loud or published in some form. This isn't unique to the Middle East. Its often no secret who the valedictorian of your class will be in my experience (American school)... even if the grades weren't revealed. In any case, "Nerd" in my experience means something closer to the hobbies you persue. "Geeks" play video games and academically do good in "computer stuff" and music. "Nerds" pursue theater, LARP, and table-top RPGs (Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, World of Darkness, etc.) The intersection of "Nerds" and "Geeks" is anime, comic book heroes, and sci-fi.
  - bobwaycott 10y ago
    > The intersection of "Nerds" and "Geeks" is anime, comic book heroes, and sci-fi. Don't forget diminished desirability by those in whom one has a romantic interest (at least until well after adolescence). :)
- CapitalistCartr 10y ago
  Teachers talk in class when they shouldn't. "Hey Teacher, how much is the curve on this test gonna be?" "Well, it won't be anything because John got a 100." [Angry glares at John]
  - fullshark 10y ago
    This idea contradicts the OPs' theory.
    - CapitalistCartr 10y ago
      I don't think so. If the teacher announces everyone's grade formally, it makes it clear grade is important. If the teacher only points out the"Special" student that always does the best in every class, it becomes a miserable experience. And I assure you this part isn't an idea.
- bobwaycott 10y ago
  Participation. Always having the right answers. Helping others. Spying the grades when papers are handed back. Never complaining about low grades. Showing no signs of stress or worry about exams. Asking questions for more information not already discussed or immediately relevant to the topic under consideration. The way a student carries on conversation. Being asked what grade s/he earned and divulging that information. I went through many schools as a child. I never bragged about my grades. Everyone always picked up on me being a straight-A student very quickly.
eplanit 10y ago
Actually this is the "dork" vs. "nerd" distinction. People now self-identify as "nerd" as self-aggrandizing (annoying actual nerds[1]). Being called a Dork has always been an insult and pejorative. In my understanding, a Dork is a Nerd, but a Nerd is not necessarily a Dork -- unless so proclaimed by one or more so-called bullies. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJyMT4ZVQEc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJyMT4ZVQEc
- hobs 10y ago
  That would be a distinction lost on anyone who isnt prone to over analyzing the situation, not a hallmark of schoolyard bullies.
sehr 10y ago
That might have been true 10,20 years ago. Don't know about now
paavokoya 10y ago
When did HN become a place for trite generalizations? Do people really believe that every case of nerd shaming is the same? We can go on all day about school-teasing name-calling.