Should I be Offended if I get called a nerd/dork?

Question

Lately there has been a lot of people at school calling me "nerd" or "dork and most of the time it has been these boy that are my cousins friends. I apologies for what I'm about to say, but these boys are jerks, try hard's, wanna be's, "popular" and have very bad families. These guys have been calling me these names as I'm in a lot of the top class at school and get a lot of A's, due to this they call me these names. Although I most of my friends would consider me to be very athletic as I participate in every sporting activity at school, and quit a few out side of school. What I'm trying to say is that should I be offended by these names or not? As when you get called it a lot, you start to forget the truth and it makes you feel bad about yourself.

sugarchateau · Accepted Answer

I apprehend your emotional and written intelligence, you articulate your thoughts in a very thoughtful manner, that's very impressive.
With that said, I believe you are intelligent enough to decide for yourself if you believe you need to take that label as something personally offensive or not. What lesson do you believe you need to learn or explore by even entertaining thoughts of a label that you chose to perceive as negative?

We forget to start the truth when we seek validation outside of us, which many do, but we do not need to place so much value in what others say about us. No one knows us better than ourselves...

I'd also like to question if perhaps you are trying to be in denial about somebody in that group that is crushing on you, or teasing you in the group? Because you are aware of their bad situations and maybe feel you need to seek more reasons to convince you as to why you need to not like them? I wonder if maybe you recognize a flirty connotation to what they say or maybe sense something beyond what they are saying? But because they choose to say these things to you, you choose to take it negatively because you'd prefer to be in denial of their feelings?

Either way, maybe you feel like you need validation- I'm proud of you for seeking out your needs to meet them for yourself. I feel like you have the ability to choose to embrace a label and make it your own- switch it into something you can view as positive. Perhaps practice coming back with witty lighthearted comebacks that help you stand up for yourself but dont bring them down? Like the next time they call you nerd just be like "it's from all the smarties i've been eating, need some?" and giggle, because you're just trying to have a good day <3

Because remember... you're smarter than them. A person persecuted for their superior skills or intellect are by people who probably fear or envy you. It would be very kind of you to instead seek compassion and try to use your intellect to switch the situation to good, this would be very charismatic and optimistic of you to do... If that is what you want for yourself and those around you, up to you.

debi2622 · Accepted Answer

Never be offended. I remember in grade school on up this one check would always torment me. Not too many years ago at a high school reunion get together, she was there. I walked into the room and she ran up to me, hugged me, and told me she was so happy to see me. Wanted me to sit next to her. She talked about our friendship through school and such. I looked at her and said straight out, you don't remember the bullying and verbal abuse you always hurled at me? She looked at me, with tears in her eyes and said, no. She apologized profusely. Then said her dad was a drunk ad drug addict, that abused her. And apparently she dealt with it by bullying others, namely me. I understood because my own dad was a crap dad. But my point is, you do not know what their lives are like that cause them to be mean to you. Be the bigger person and let it roll off you. Feel sorry for them. But never be offended, as they are just words.

JackSmy · Accepted Answer

I finally got hooked into Game of Thrones. I HATED the dwarf, in the first season, but he seemed to grow, and become a better person, through the series.
He said something, early on, that i think will help you:
“Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.”
– S01E01, “Winter is Coming”
Simply, embrace being the 'Dork' or 'Nerd' and just develop that 'Character' of YOU! If you love it, live it, and embrace it, as Yourself, then how can they hurt you with it?
Use your knowledge, intelligence, as a NERD, and trust in that, and nobody can ever 'make you feel bad' when you know who you really are, and like YOU!

4n0nym4us · Accepted Answer

First off. I think you're awesome. You get a lot of A's in your classes and you're athletic, I mean how awesome is that? Understand that society has plenty of judges, even more so at your age where the law of immaturity reigns supreme. I used to get called a nerd & dork a lot when I was young and I am... sometimes. I mean I'm a Laboratory Information Systems Analyst, so I do qualify sort of. What I'm getting at is, don't bother caring about when other people try to put you down. You're smart and you have drive, most people don't. You're ahead of the curve in my opinion.

AynonOMouse · Answer

Just tell them this:
"You're just jealous because you suck at life and live a pathetic existence. You are a waste of space."
lol
Seriously, tell them that. ^^ *Let me know their reaction if you do say that to them)
And try to realize that no matter what you do in life, there will always be people that don't like or approve of it. Try to live your life in a way that makes you and the people you care about happy and proud, and try not to worry about people that aren't good to you, because their opinions shouldn't matter to you.

Fuentes · Answer

Nah lol sounds like jealousy when you're in a great University getting thay degree or even degree's or even a PHDz whatever you decide to do in the future they'll all be fat and all settled for with whatever came their way still making min wage or a crappy supervisor at a min wage job and a basic regular chick with nothing to offer, while you get to be picky and choosy and have everything you could ever ask for... trust people when they say being that "nerd" pays you off in the long run and never do anything to fit in.. you know who you are deep down so fuck what anyone has to say about you stay in school & work hard and keep them good grades up

Egoless_M0rtal · Answer

I mean technically we can't control what makes us feel offended. But just becUse you are smarter then them doesn't mean its bad. And if the repetition of the names is causing you to feel bad it might sound cheesy but tell yourself affirmations during your day. I am smart, i am funny, i am a good person. Thoughts become beliefs and beliefs become actions. I wish i was smart like you when i was in school. Vut make sure you remind yourself that the things they are calling you aren't true. Or you can try to take the effectivness from their words and claim to be a nerd. (Some may argue not to do this) but i found that when i started started to be proud of who i was (even if others saw it as a negative) they slowly started to stop. Because they see its not making me feel bad. But you should never feel bad or offended for who you are especially when its for being smart.

morimeme1 · Answer

You made it pretty clear what you think about them. It is clear that they do it because your success makes them insecure, you have something they do not and it is just part of human psychology - to try to put down something or someone to feel better about yourself. So why would you ever even take someone like that seriously. You should not be offended, you should be sorry for them.

btbc92 · Answer

I say you do. Nerd and dork together are signs of disrespect. You have to learn not to pay attention to those punks and focus on your friends and your livelihood. As long as they don't put their hands on you, or threaten you, ignore the losers. At least you have A's. Many of them have C's and D. I was a C student. But I was also humble for my grades. They're just envious and jealous and want something to complain about. And you shouldn't have to be ashamed of it.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I would figure this out people who call us names
don't have a life and are jealous and have a evil
heart these people care for themselves yes it does
hurt us but we need to place a wall to stop these
haters from calling us names and I'm sorry this
is happening to you but your cousins need to start
sticking up for you and put them guys in their place
Best Wishes on this matter :)

Anonymous · Answer

It's mostly just grade school banter. Ignore the comments and I'm sure they will eventually disappear. I, myself, was on the receiving end of insulting comments. The insults eventually subsided upon finishing high school. You'll meet new people and experience new things as you age, if you're willing to go out into the world and try.

Note: the age listed on my profile is 35 -- I listed my birth date in reference to George Orwell's 1984, though I am 10 years younger than what my profile states.

Haelaeix123 · Answer

It's the nature of the popular to thrive off the misery if those less so. there's nothing wrong with being a bit nerdy or geeky but in the warped recesses of the void that they claim contains a brain they seem to think its insulting. They might say nerd but all I hear is "so more intelligent than you then?" there's nothing to be ashamed of or offended about. Your great in school and your active, they're just being immature and stupid.

gorman24 · Answer

Nah in fact it is highly probable you will have a more successful career. So let them laugh it up now and let them regret it later in life. Doing well in school shows you have drive and direction unlike the person ridiculing you for it. They probably will be burger flippers and store clerks for a majority of their life.

Anonymous · Answer

Let me start out by saying that most stereotypes of nerds and jocks are wrong. Most "jocks" are "nerds". I'd venture to say that almost all jocks, if not all jocks, are nerds. Take sport stats as an example. They will have spreadsheets of their favorite team or even the entire professional league of whatever sport that they like and know the numbers of every last player. You're a lion and they're sheep. They're just following the herd and lions need not value the opinions of sheep. I get it, you're young. At your age words cut deeper than knives, but only if you let them.

Massageman · Answer

“If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.”
Adolph Hitler

G'day!
Consider the source of their OPINIONS, and that is just what these comments are: their opinions. Don't take them to heart, replace the names with positive self-talk and thinking.

They are most likely jealous of your success. And people tend to boost their OWN meager egos by suppressing those of others.

Ignore them- you have along life ahead.

taleswapper · Answer

You should laugh when they call you a nerd or a dork. They sound like five-year-olds. One of my favorite phrases in cases like this is "And I care what you think why, exactly?"

Being called names by losers is just the bleating of sheep; meaningless noise. Ignore them.

Piteka5 · Answer

People this age make fun of whatever they can, you are already ahead of them by putting more effort into studying. Keep it up and you'll see you can get far with relative ease. As you say, you participate in activities and are social, but also have good grades, it's the best of both worlds.

Bmories99 · Answer

I have been were you are now. Dont let them rile you. Generally people pick on someone when they are jealous of what the person has accomplished. The teasing calling names is to make you feel as bad as they do. Hold your head high. Keeps up with school and have fun playing sports.

TechLili · Answer

Why would you take nerd or dork as an insult? I honestly don't understand why people get offended by such things. Perhaps they're just messing with you, boys are like that.

Quidthonian · Answer

You got academic talents which they probably don't. You got the intelligence which they don't. Ignore the insults; concentrate on your studies. Ignore the name calling, they are trying to provoke a reaction from you.
I am proud to be a "nerd". You are welcome to PM me if you want to talk in private.

ryanrhino · Answer

Nerd is good. Think of the nerds that run the world or are successful. Being called a dork is more of an insult. Dork means fool, nerd means someone who is socially awkward, but not dumb. Check it on wikipedia.

PinkMichae · Answer

If they are calling you a nerd as an insult. I would respond with obviously I'm smarter than you and I'm glad you recognize it.

If they are calling you a dork I'd respond with yes I'm funnier than you. Then thank them for the compliment.

N192K001 · Answer

Nope. Consider it a badge of honor. You seem to be at the top of academic & athletic rubrics. Stay relatable, but don't allow them to drag you down to their level.

Remember this quote: "Be nice to nerds. You may end up working for them."

They seem to be working on an outdated model from the Industrialist Revolution. This is the Information Age. Factory-work & manual-labor will only got you so much anymore. Keep striving and excelling. Time will tell who's in the right & wrong path.

humanearth · Answer

I used to think it was bad when I was young. Now they call me for everything.

Like when they need electricity in the middle of nowhere. Or they need someone to build a radio from razor blade a pencil and a safty pin. (Its called a fox hole radio look it up)

I have I high IQ for inventing stuff with almost nothing. But low IQ for book smarts. Good figure. Super smart one way and dumb as ox in another way.

Donaldlt · Answer

Ignore them, they havnt machured yet. Its proven... women are smarter than men, and girls are smarter than boys. So get a makeover and dress alittle sexy, and watch thier reaction. Some of them might secretly like you. But dont take thier shit! 👍

acooke-13 · Answer

No, don't take offence to any mean things people call you, don't let yourself get upset, show them how strong you are and that you don't care. They'll soon get bored

síocháin · Answer

Sure, because the people who are calling as 'nerd' and 'dork' , are known for their ability of memorizing the knowledge, and never getting further than its surface. What a pitiful thing to be!

HereIbe · Answer

Do not be offended. Once you get into the world of adults, you will find that many men adore nerd women.

Secret6620 · Answer

I don't get offended when people call me this. 🖤🤓

hellionthesagereborn · Answer

The question is why would you want to be offended? That's a choice. If they call you that say "yep." What are they going to do? Call you a nerd again? Nothing wrong with getting good grades. Being insulted is a choice, its just one that I don't understand people choosing to make.

Sam2468 · Answer

I never get offended, I don’t care what people think about me.

PrincessGrail · Answer

Don't get offended. Being smart is wonderful, and doing good in school will get you way further ahead than these guys ever will.

videmon · Answer

Would care, neither should you. My suggestion is don't give social interaction so much power while in school and focus on studies

Mollynotgemma · Answer

Not at all! The only person that thinks you are a dork is the thick idiot that is threatened by your intelligence! Thrive in the threat of knowledge

winterfox10 · Answer

Don't be offended by that nonsense at all. People like you are D-1 athletes, not nerds. Do you, because "you" is killing it!

ImpressiveUsername · Answer

Don't feel bad, just respond in kind. Find their weakness, find what their insecurities are, and tear into them. Make the little shits cry in their pillow when they get home.

motownplayer2000 · Answer

You shouldn't get offended by much, only injustice to others, and the fact that people and governments don't care about the needy or elderly, that's all we should be offended about honestly. The rest is trivial shit

Iron_Man · Answer

At your age boys will be boys everybody gets called names pay no attention to them. They're are probably just crushing on you and calling you names just to get your attention after all you are an athlete

Thrifty · Answer

Are you a nerd? Do you think of yourself as a nerd? I am a nerd. I was just like you in high school and I am still a nerd. But I am also cool. And I am also a stud. And I am also reliable and trustworthy. I am a lot of things. Being called a nerd is an unintentional compliment given by the intellectually inept in a type of situational irony.

supercutebutt · Answer

You confuse plural with possessive so you aren't that much of a nerdy dork.

sarahbear1750 · Answer

Those who get A’s, work hard, and get called nerds are those who end up making 200k a year in their future careers. So tell them to go SUCK IT😂

pinkhoodie53 · Answer

No don’t feel bad. They’re jealous, kill them with kindness and continue to excel.

wankiam · Answer

you will have the last laugh... while they are in jail or flipping burgers you will have a well paid job and meaningful life. in the meantime you should however report their bullying to a tutor

MlleCake · Answer

Have your aunt call your cousin on the carpet for not challenging their bullying.

GuidoThePizzaMaker · Answer

They are just trying to bring you down. It is offensive, but dont let it get to you. You let their words hurt you, you let them win.  They are trying to insult you because you are smarter than them.

Máiiréad · Answer

They only wish they had the motivation, determination, and success that you have. Take their words with a grain of salt. They mean nothing to you and you are perfect as you are. Take pride in it.

Anonymous · Answer

nah I wouldn't worry about names people like that call you. Their opinions shouldn't mean anything at all. And if they keep being mean, just kick 'em in the nuts.

Boppy · Answer

Whether the words are positive or negative may depend on where ya live (nerd is sort of positive where I live, dork is not used).  I am annoyed whenever someone tries to "put me in a box," though.

GreatSworl · Answer

You should really focus on yourself and the future. Since ur getting As u will benefit more than them being popular in school, which is temporary til you leave lol.

Edanurus · Answer

Nerd and dork do have negative connotations as they suggest lack of social skills.

But no you shouldn't get offended by it even if it was intended. You just play into their hands that way. What you get offended about is more about you than them.

sean1234 · Answer

What can I say... it happens. Just forget about it. I knew a girl back then like that that I liked a lot. I just couldnt see why anyone called her a dork. It's meaningless drivel.

Sweetpea334 · Answer

Don't be offended. The world needs more nerds. From my experience the ones who pick at you the most feel threatened by you. So flaunt your stuff girl.

megaman242 · Answer

Dorks and nerds often have great jobs, and great friends. Knows how to live and are interesting to talk with. So no be proud instead.

YHL6965 · Answer

People who call you name are usually sad an pathetic individuals, ignore them and keep doing what you like.

Smoothing · Answer

I always take it as a complement when ever some one refers to me as a nerd. It is s good thing.  Nerds rule the world.

ts416 · Answer

Remember that the nerds are the ones who really control everything 🤓

normalice · Answer

If you are a nerd or dork, but don't want to be, then you should probably be offended. Otherwise, no.

SarahsSummer · Answer

you should just say "THANKS! Maybe I'll give you a job once I rule the world with all the other "nerds" out there".  Just consider them jealous.

RMdimples · Answer

No, I used to called those things too but it didn't bother me. I still did my work but I became very social after realizing that I'm way to focused on work.

Darjeelingjelly · Answer

It is truly because they are jealous that you are successful.

weirdoweirdo · Answer

That's up to yourself to decide. Only you can actually make those words mean something.

bigbang101 · Answer

You should feel proud... I feel proud.  U dont find many ignorant reading books nowadays!

Loki1991 · Answer

Just look at them with disgust and state: "I refuse to have a battle of witts with an unarmed person.". Then just walk away

nailz660 · Answer

Don’t get offended or hurt by it. I would say either the boys like you are jealous of you. To me that sounds like a win win

Should I be Offended if I get called a nerd/dork?

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