3 ms·

How did the bullies know Joe did well if he didn't brag?

karlkeefer 11y 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 11y 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 11y 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 11y 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 11y ago
  This idea contradicts the OPs' theory.
  - CapitalistCartr 11y 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 11y 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.

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 11y 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 11y 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 11y 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 11y ago
This idea contradicts the OPs' theory.
- CapitalistCartr 11y 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 11y 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.