What's the difference between: geek, nerd, wimp and wuss?

[Anonymous]

Are there any significant differences between these terms?

[cipher42]

Well, firstly, geek and nerd are often use interchangeably, as are wimp and wuss. However, wimp or wuss can't usually be equated to geek or nerd, at least not under the modern usage of the words.

The difference between geek and need is usually just interpretation. In my opinion, geeks are more interested in geeky pop culture and activities, like watching doctor who and sherlock and playing magic and D&D. Nerds, on the other hand, are more about knowledge and being intellectual, and know more about intellectual things and trivia in general.

Wimps and wusses are something entirely different though. A wimp would be someone who can't tolerate much pain or punishment, and is more physically weak. A wuss, on the other hand, is more about emotional weakness, like not being able to say no to people, or being too afraid of confrontation or negative emotions to do anything.

Basically, there are slight differences between geek and nerd, as well as between wimp and wuss, but geek or need doesn't equate to wimp or wuss.

[Shutupman]

geek someone somewhat normal but still is nerdy.
Nerd well plain someone that enjoys studying, devote's a lot of time on it. Is often not very sociable since but that is more stereotyping so yeah...
Wimp is someone that's easily scared and doesn't dare to do a lot of things. ( the kid that didn't dare to sneak out to play with other friends)
Wuss is a combination of a wimp and a pussy (someone that would shit his pants when doing something remotely scary)

[ras144]

...DUUUUUUUUUH!
1. Geek is an obsessive fan with something non-mainstream.
2. Nerd are smart kids, but they tend to be geeks as well.
3. Wuss is someone mentally weak or scared.
4. Wimp is someone who's physically weak.

Geeks and Nerds are stereotypically wusses and wimps, but some Nerds/Geeks can be brave and can kick your ass if they're taken martial arts (or are big). Don't listen to people, Nerds and Geeks can have social graces as well.

[Billlewis]

So it sounds like my best bet is to strive for a combination of wuss and wimp, to make sure I get all the bases covered.

[TheOtherDave]

Geek is a generally positive term for someone into their technology, probably computer programmers, web designers or engineers. They probably know what they're talking about though they are otherwise pretty sociable types who probably have all kinds of other interests too, and actual friends who aren't geeks.

Nerd is a generally derogatory term for someone who obsesses about gadgets, or particular hobbies such as train spotting, stamp collecting or wearing duffle coats, probably to the exclusion of anything else. Most likely live with their mum and only socialise with other nerds.

i. e. Geeks are cool, nerds most definitely aren't!

[Cheeky_Unfortunate]

Geeks are specialists in a technical field.

Nerds are generally considered to be extreme fans and collectors usually sporting lots of random seeming knowledge about various elements of their fandom and to a lesser extent the world at large.

Wimps and Wusses are synonymous for people who simply don't stand up for themselves or are too passive.

[Alessus]

I consider geek and nerd, being the same thing, describing people who are thought to be usually very knwoledgeable about some things, usually computer and fine mechanics related, maybe even obsessed with such things.

Wimp and wuss are generally synonyms for me, describing a person who is cowardly and insecure.

[confugirl]

Geeks have unusual interest (gaming, collecting etc.) but they're not knowledgeable.
Nerds are knowledgeable and often have unusual interests. They also like to learn.
Wimp/wuss is someone who is easily frightened and does not fight those fears.

[GreatnessPersonified]

geeks are people w/ abnormal interest with a social grace.
nerds are geeks with no social grace.
A wuss is a weak spirited person who has little scruples and doesn't stand for anything, least of all himself.

[GreatnessPersonified]

Take it from a geek.

[bubbletrouble]

Geek and nerd mean the same thing to me, somebody fascinated over something that socially awkward people are into i. e. comic book nerd, science geek.
Wimp and wuss mean a very weak dude.

[harakiri]

I associate geeks/nerds with knowledge, unusual interests and wimps/wusses with cowardice, temerity.