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The term “computer geek” refers to someone with above-average experience in computer technology, who may have specialized skills and work in computer-specific careers. The term originated from carnival workers and was originally derogatory, but has been embraced by many in the computer industry. The portrayal of computer geeks in media has contributed to a perception of limited social skills but vast technical knowledge. The term has gained popularity and is now used by fans of various activities. IT professionals and enthusiasts often proudly call themselves computer geeks due to their essential role in technological society.
Computer geek is a term for a person, male or female, who has above average experience in computer technology. A computer geek may be an expert in programming, networking, or other specialized fields of computing. He or she may use those skills in computer-specific careers or have more interest than a devoted hobbyist. The term geek was originally used in a derogatory sense, but many computer professionals have embraced the term and started using it as a sign of pride. The term has gained such popularity that even fans of other professional and recreational activities can describe themselves as geeks.
The word geek originated with American carnival workers, or carnies, of the 20th century. It referred to a person who traveled with the carnival sideshow, biting the heads off chickens or other live animals. The modern usage seems to derive from the way carny freaks were shunned even by other carnivores, who were themselves alien to society. People who embrace the modern usage of the word do not deny this earlier definition; some geeky shirts available in the 1990s and 2000s even emphasized the carny connection.
As computer programming became an essential part of many businesses in the 1990s, the term computer geek came into common use, probably because information technology (IT) departments and their employees were often isolated from other employees . Computer geeks were also seen to possess specialized knowledge that soon spawned their own culture and jargon, further separating them from the mainstream. The popular perception of the computer geek at the time was of someone with limited social skills but vast technical know-how. The portrayal of computer geeks in movies and other popular media has helped solidify this perception of the subculture among both computer geeks and the mainstream population.
The world of information technology has quickly embraced its geekdom in much the same way that the gay community has appropriated and accepted terms initially coined as derogatory. Geek chic was born in the 2000s as the addiction to computer technology increased. Fans of previously marginalized activities, including comics, animation, RPGs, video games, and various sciences, also began to call themselves geeks. Given the derogatory origins of the word, however, one should never assume that anyone will take the term geek as a compliment.
IT professionals and computer enthusiasts often proudly call themselves computer geeks, because the term can describe someone with an extraordinary level of proficiency in their field. Part of this may be a result of the essential role the computer geek plays in a technological society. Secure in their position as facilitators of 21st century commerce, entertainment and information, computer geeks know they are unlikely to be shunned, despite social stereotypes.
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