The word 'nerd' is very present on this Substack and it's one I often use to introduce myself. Some believe this word is self-diminishing - suggesting you're somewhat 'uncool'. Here's why I disagree.
As a "word nerd", I really appreciate that you went to the dictionary definition of "nerd". I agree that an enthusiasm for a niche topic is definitely something we should embrace and encourage. Bring on the nerdiness!!!
Christina, what I found most fascinating when looking up the dictionary definition is that the word itself has absolutely no negative conotations, on the contrary! And yet it seems our collective consciousness has registered it as negative somehow, perhaps because it's so often been a label used as bullying in school...
Love this Alis! Always cringed at any applied expert moniker - Experts usualy seem to have undeniable evidence of expertise...while Nerds only seem to know that what exists is debatable and what you can possibly know about it constantly evolves - Go Team Nerd!
As a "word nerd", I really appreciate that you went to the dictionary definition of "nerd". I agree that an enthusiasm for a niche topic is definitely something we should embrace and encourage. Bring on the nerdiness!!!
Christina, what I found most fascinating when looking up the dictionary definition is that the word itself has absolutely no negative conotations, on the contrary! And yet it seems our collective consciousness has registered it as negative somehow, perhaps because it's so often been a label used as bullying in school...
Love this Alis! Always cringed at any applied expert moniker - Experts usualy seem to have undeniable evidence of expertise...while Nerds only seem to know that what exists is debatable and what you can possibly know about it constantly evolves - Go Team Nerd!