Wednesday, August 17, 2011

New Nerds

What is a nerd today, and where did the word even come from? It used to be that a nerd was the kid that hung out in the science lab and belonged to the chess club. Nerds were easy to spot because they hung around in little nerd groups, usually with big glasses and hand me down clothes. I have no idea what a nerd looks like today and I started to wonder if maybe I have become a nerd. I had to look up the word:

 Nerd is a term that refers to an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit. Nerds are generally considered to be awkward, shy and/or unattractive by most. Thus, a nerd is often excluded from physical activity and considered a loner by others, or will tend to associate with a small group of like-minded people.


The first documented appearance of the word "nerd" is as the name of a creature in Dr. Seuss's book If I Ran the Zoo (1950), in which the narrator Gerald McGrew claims that he would collect "a Nerkle, a Nerd, and a Seersucker too" for his imaginary zoo. 

Well that does it! Dr. Seuss is in the building! I really want to be a nerd now. I will have my own little Nerd group that is for Nerds over 40. We can speak our own language and completely ignore all “Youth Slang” and “Fall Down” fashion.  Lately I have heard terms that make no sense to me. Terms like, muffin top, queef, camel toe, moose knuckle and tea bagging.  Strange words are constantly being thrown at me. Ha? I had to look them all up you know, my kids think I am funny, and my amazement for the construction of the English language continues. Where do these words come from? Fall down fashion is another thing. Make up your mind already! Either put on your pants or take them off! I swear I am going to put a nickel in the next slot I see.

Nerds over 40, it is time to band together. We can be proud of our Dr. Seuss heritage and continue to create words that have an intellectual content. We can wear clothes that suit us, have any kind of hobby we want, and go to the imaginary zoo any time. My first Nerd Word is going to be:

Femping: Jumping away from whatever you are fed up with.

Would you like to share a new Nerd Word with me? I would love to hear it. How about telling me what you are femping about, I am all ears.

9 comments:

Laura Eno said...

How cool! (Yes, I still use words from the '80's) I like your femping word. :) Most of those other words I'm familiar with, courtesy of my son...not that I would use them.

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

This is awesome :0) My father-in-law swears that he created the word "dork." :) So fun.

Christine Murray said...

'I swear I am going to put a nickel in the next slot I see.'

Lol, this made me laugh so much! Cool call on Dr. Seuss, that's quite interesting.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Love you new word sis...

You post cracked me up, but it's so true. What is happening to our language? It scares me. On the streets of Chicago I often wonder what half the people are talking about.

Ah, now for my word. Hmmm. Let me think a minute ... Windbl ... can you guess? Give up... Well here in Chicago everyone experiences this on a daily basis.

Windbl means Windblown to the max. When you just can't take one more assault by nature.

Bossy Betty said...

I am going to think of more nerd language soon! I read a quote from a 100 year old woman today. She was talking about her step-father and said, "He was mean as homemade sin." I loved that!

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Just a couple of things while I cracking up here.
1) I was considered a Nerd in school and was with you except for the clothes.
2) That pic is so me -- except the hair isn't blue.
3) If you put a nickel in the slot you are most likely going to get either attacked or arrested.

I'm laughing way too hard to make up a word but would love to join your group ;o)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I was more of a nerd when younger, but now I'd call myself a geek.

Anonymous said...

I'm sad.. I can't be a nerd for another year. Sigh. However you should look up the def for Dork. I guarantee E's father in law has no clue what it really means or the man wouldn't be using it. haha.
However I will use your word as I love the def.
So I go femping every time I jump on the computer. I escape reality for a single moment in time I am no ones maid, mother, lover, laundry mat or taxi.
As for the fashion? Well you've already read my take on that nonsense and how I handle the crack that spreads in my neck of the woods. That kid actually told me it was sexual harassment. I told him ha. Seeing your ass crack is sexual harassment indecent exposure and breaks all kinds of health codes. Pull him big boy. Sue me but I will counter sue.

Stranger in a Strange Land said...

Denialing--- avoiding reality.

Mike