The word “geek” originally referred to circus performers who bit off the heads of live animals. It later became a slang term for someone who is socially awkward or interested in technology. “Nerd” and “weirdo” also have interesting origins, but the origin of “dweeb” is unclear.
The word “geek” is thought to come from the German word geck which refers to a madman. The modern definition of “geek” is typically a slang term for someone who is socially awkward or has an inordinate interest in technology. From the 18th century through the early 20th century, however, “geek” was a term that referred to circus performers. For example, traveling circuses in Austro-Hungary would use the word “geek” in their advertisements to describe performers who bit off the heads of live animals. The word was thought to have become popular in the United States after the release of Nightmare Alley, an 18th century book about a sideshow performer.
Read more about the history of slang words:
The word “nerd” first appeared in the 1950 children’s book If I Ran a Zoo by Dr. Seuss.
“Weirdo” was originally a term meaning “supernatural,” but it developed over time to become a slang word for a strange person.
There are no conclusive references for the origin of the term “dweeb,” another slang term to describe an unpopular or socially awkward person.
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