Here is my understanding of the word "Geek" based on its etymological history: In the early 16th Century, "Geek" meant "village idiot" (actually, it was "gek," from old Dutch, an onomatopoeic word for someone who speaks gibberish). In the early 20th Century, "Geek" meant "actor in a carnival side show, playing the role of a gruesome village idiot." In the late 20th Century,* "Geek" meant "a person mocked for their weird enthusiasms (as if they were an attraction in a carnival side show)." In the early 21st Century, "Geek' meant "a person proud of their enthusiasm for esoteric fields, not caring if they are mocked." Or, as Hank puts it in this video: "Someone who is unironically, enthusiastically, curious." (Yes, I do geek out about words. They're awesome.)
So -- the meaning hasn't changed much in the original Dutch as it has in English... Though in English, it seems to have gone around and come back again. :-)
Yay! I'm incredibly happy that Hank defines being a geek as "being curious!" I'm often curious about how things work, and I'm glad I don't have to be a Nuclear Physicist to be considered a geek! :D
I came to Wheezy upon recommendation from John Green, what must have been about a year and a half ago - - must say, not disappointed! Keep up the "good stuff" *does air quotes*
I really enjoyed this video, and of course I love Hank Green. But I feel like this focused a lot on the science side of geekiness. There are plenty of people, such as myself, who are history geeks, or literature geeks, or cinematic geeks. I think the definition of "geek" should have been a bit broader to include those kinds of people. Other than that, great video from The Good Stuff.
I also think that being a geek is now more widely accepted or known because of things like this video that say "Hey you like this? It's okay because many more people do! You're not alone!" I think that's really important because ten ears ago when social media wasn't as advanced as it is now, you couldn't connect with people from other places about the same things you like. The Internet and technology like Hank said has made geeks realize we're not the only ones and we're important :)! Go Hank!
Something i always wondered and that bothers me a lot: why only people from science and technology are seen as geeks? Why can't i be a geek when i study humanities? When i study a book and understand the entire thing cover to cover? When when i study and research history and literature i'm not as geek as math geeks?
You can be a geek, being a geek is thinking deeply about things and getting excited for stuff, if you geek out over Ellen Hopkins or Shane Koyczan or the problems in society during various depressions through out history that's still fine. You're still a geek. People who are in or getting in STEM careers are seen as the geek stereotypes just because it's hard and you have to be interested to get into that subject it's not usually something you just do or that everyone learns. But you can be a geek and be into anything, Hank Green is a geek but so is John Green an award winning best selling author.
I've been home schooled since fourth grade, but I'm planning on going back to school this year (ninth grade), and I'm anticipating at least some people bullying me for being weird or nerdy or some such (and also being the type of person who uses the phrase "some such"), but I'm going to try and take it in stride and be as nerdfightarian about it as possible. DFTBA.
I think we (geeks) like fantasy (sci-fi is a sub category of fantasy) because everything in fantasy is fictional, so there can be however much to know about it you want. I think we like the idea of being able to know everything about a thing, even though in reality you can never know everything about anything, especially fantastical worlds/dimensions since you can always create new knowledge about it.
Geek : Intelligent and social people who like fiction & fantasy stuff. Usually identify themselves as fans and part of a group. Do conferences. Brag about their knowledge. Nerd : Intelligent and extremely devoted people. Like to learn about complex and promising stuff. Don't care as much of what people think of them as they care about their passions. Don't identify themselves as fans but as experts. Don't brag about their knowledge. Genius : Intelligent casual people. Inventors and dreamers.
2:59 - The true reaction of a geek: "What do you geek out about?" "OOHHH!!" As if his mind was suddenly overloaded with the vast number of things he geeks out about.
ooops..... Criag, "The Good Stuff" is definitely a great concept. I am telling everyone I can to check them out. Thank you and your friends for collecting these ideas and elaborating on the themes. I enjoy all your hard work. Thank you... "}
One of Hank's many positive geeky qualities is that he spends time simply thinking about things that interest him, so I suspect that he's mulled many of these questions over in his mind before.
You know, that association between being intelligent and being awkward or weird wasn't always there. If you go back to a lot of the science fiction in both movies and comic books during the '50s and '60s, a lot of the heroes are these dashing, handsome scientists. So, that association and the words "geek" and "nerd" that go with it had to have been something that arose in the last few decades of the 20th Century.
This was cool. I have been a geek my whole life. I think it depends where you are as to wether you fit in as a geek these days. In Oregon where I live, not so much. San Francisco during a tech convention? Oh god yes. But it's still tough introducing myself to girls as a software developer and film maker. They just think they can't be on my level.
I always defined nerd as someone who has an intense interest or curiosity in a subject and geek as someone who has an intense interest or curiosity in geeky things, like science and junk.
I think the reason geeks prefer fantasy and genres like that because they tend to have more creativity than people who shoot them down and that's a way to express it.
Totally agree with what you are saying. However hank has a degree in chemistry. And since this was his prospective I think that's how it is defined for him.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! So, no one's going to comment about the enthusiasm on the guy's face when he eats the bread at 1:04? I think that deserves a mention, at least. I mean, dat wink.
What you said is partially true, but I think that there is a marked difference in the way that everyone, including kids, are reacting to geekyness. Also, you're looking at geek as a positive word (which I totally do as well), while many people associated it with social awkwardness or strangeness in the past.
Just one question: so is a "geek" basically the opposite of a "hipster"? Geeks like things that are/because they are "cool" (and some "uncool" things because they are, in the geek's opinion, "cool"), get enthusiastic about stuff and will gladly share what they love with everyone around them, while "hipsters" like things because they are unpopular and will only like said things for as long as they are unpopular, they like things ironically and would prefer other people not to share their interests. Its become sort of an opposites things - geeks are open and celebratory of their interests, hipsters are snobby about them. Obviously nobody fits these stereotypes completely, but is this the current definition of a "nerd/geek" - an anti-hipster? NOTE: I do consider myself a geek. A big geek.
+Aleksandra Gieralt Well, *I* think hipsters and geeks are on the opposite ends of an attitude spectrum, yes. Geeks find things they love unabashedly, and continue to love them whether or not those things are widely loved in the wider culture. Geeks hold on to their favorite superhero lunchboxes long after grade school, and still have their favorite band posters on their walls (to illustrate the geek stereotype). But hipsters, while also being intellectual, are, as you say, snobby about it. If *too many* people come to love the thing they were enthusiastic about six months ago, then they decide it's not good, anymore. Also, from what I've seen of how self-identifying hipsters define "hipster," they seem to love irony -- for example, they'll tell a racist or sexist joke as an ironic way to criticize racism or sexism. And if you get offended by that, then it must be you're not smart enough to "get it." Yeah, I consider myself a geek, too.
Aren't the words Geek and Nerd pretty much interchangeable? Even if there is a difference, there's a lot of overlap between the two these days I think.
I think in future videos you should switch camera angels less often. It may seem cool but it's very distracting. Just my thoughts, loved this video otherwise!
I think that being a Geek is being so enthusiastic about it that it overrides that pervasive desire to be 'cool'.
Here is my understanding of the word "Geek" based on its etymological history:
In the early 16th Century, "Geek" meant "village idiot" (actually, it was "gek," from old Dutch, an onomatopoeic word for someone who speaks gibberish).
In the early 20th Century, "Geek" meant "actor in a carnival side show, playing the role of a gruesome village idiot."
In the late 20th Century,* "Geek" meant "a person mocked for their weird enthusiasms (as if they were an attraction in a carnival side show)."
In the early 21st Century, "Geek' meant "a person proud of their enthusiasm for esoteric fields, not caring if they are mocked."
Or, as Hank puts it in this video: "Someone who is unironically, enthusiastically, curious."
(Yes, I do geek out about words. They're awesome.)
I love etymology! Thanks for sharing. I never knew 'gek' was onomatopoeic - it is still used in modern Dutch, it means 'crazy' or 'weird' ;)
So -- the meaning hasn't changed much in the original Dutch as it has in English... Though in English, it seems to have gone around and come back again. :-)
CapriUni No haha. I guess so! :)
Yay! I'm incredibly happy that Hank defines being a geek as "being curious!" I'm often curious about how things work, and I'm glad I don't have to be a Nuclear Physicist to be considered a geek! :D
I came to Wheezy upon recommendation from John Green, what must have been about a year and a half ago - - must say, not disappointed! Keep up the "good stuff" *does air quotes*
I really enjoyed this video, and of course I love Hank Green. But I feel like this focused a lot on the science side of geekiness. There are plenty of people, such as myself, who are history geeks, or literature geeks, or cinematic geeks. I think the definition of "geek" should have been a bit broader to include those kinds of people. Other than that, great video from The Good Stuff.
I love watching Hank! He made being a geek seem awesome. Thanks for telling me how to take over a large area of the world. Respect the geeks.(:
Great interview! Always wanted to see you and Hank discuss this stuff. Postproduction was very artful!
The bible has it right : "The geek shall inherit the earth."
I think this is my favorite Good Stuff video so far.
I also think that being a geek is now more widely accepted or known because of things like this video that say "Hey you like this? It's okay because many more people do! You're not alone!" I think that's really important because ten ears ago when social media wasn't as advanced as it is now, you couldn't connect with people from other places about the same things you like. The Internet and technology like Hank said has made geeks realize we're not the only ones and we're important :)! Go Hank!
Ahhh Hank! This was a great video! Thanks!
This chanell deserves soo much more views.
This was brilliant! Way to go guys. You had be laughing loud enough that my family now officially thinks I'm crazy.
Something i always wondered and that bothers me a lot: why only people from science and technology are seen as geeks? Why can't i be a geek when i study humanities? When i study a book and understand the entire thing cover to cover? When when i study and research history and literature i'm not as geek as math geeks?
You can be a geek, being a geek is thinking deeply about things and getting excited for stuff, if you geek out over Ellen Hopkins or Shane Koyczan or the problems in society during various depressions through out history that's still fine. You're still a geek. People who are in or getting in STEM careers are seen as the geek stereotypes just because it's hard and you have to be interested to get into that subject it's not usually something you just do or that everyone learns. But you can be a geek and be into anything, Hank Green is a geek but so is John Green an award winning best selling author.
I've been home schooled since fourth grade, but I'm planning on going back to school this year (ninth grade), and I'm anticipating at least some people bullying me for being weird or nerdy or some such (and also being the type of person who uses the phrase "some such"), but I'm going to try and take it in stride and be as nerdfightarian about it as possible. DFTBA.
He just geeked out about geeking out...
I geek out about Hank's reaction to the question about what he geeks out about.
I think we (geeks) like fantasy (sci-fi is a sub category of fantasy) because everything in fantasy is fictional, so there can be however much to know about it you want. I think we like the idea of being able to know everything about a thing, even though in reality you can never know everything about anything, especially fantastical worlds/dimensions since you can always create new knowledge about it.
Geek : Intelligent and social people who like fiction & fantasy stuff. Usually identify themselves as fans and part of a group. Do conferences. Brag about their knowledge.
Nerd : Intelligent and extremely devoted people. Like to learn about complex and promising stuff. Don't care as much of what people think of them as they care about their passions. Don't identify themselves as fans but as experts. Don't brag about their knowledge.
Genius : Intelligent casual people. Inventors and dreamers.
2:59 - The true reaction of a geek:
"What do you geek out about?"
"OOHHH!!"
As if his mind was suddenly overloaded with the vast number of things he geeks out about.
Love these vids, keep it up with the Good Stuff.
This is great but... what about... y'know... our label is not... well.... it's... NERD. Not geek. Nerd!
Geekfighters
Agreed.
There's both geek and nerd stuff talked about in the video. I guess people can be both.
ooops..... Criag, "The Good Stuff" is definitely a great concept. I am telling everyone I can to check them out. Thank you and your friends for collecting these ideas and elaborating on the themes. I enjoy all your hard work. Thank you... "}
that's probably why they cast him for the role, the resemblance is almost spot on
The Good Stuff should totally be more successful than it is. This is some of the *best* stuff.
All these vlogbrothers clips are so awesome.
To be clear, under pressure was a colab between Bowie and Queen, not just FM, it was john deacon that thought up the catchy bass line
A real geek will never call themselves a geek.
One of Hank's many positive geeky qualities is that he spends time simply thinking about things that interest him, so I suspect that he's mulled many of these questions over in his mind before.
Geeks ARE the new sexy. Intellect is now a pheremone.
You know, that association between being intelligent and being awkward or weird wasn't always there. If you go back to a lot of the science fiction in both movies and comic books during the '50s and '60s, a lot of the heroes are these dashing, handsome scientists. So, that association and the words "geek" and "nerd" that go with it had to have been something that arose in the last few decades of the 20th Century.
Awesome, best playlist yet :)
Hank's "OH!" When Craig asked him what he geeks out about is what my initial reaction to that question was as well.
So great. Craig doing the nerdfighter sign is almost too much to handle.
I love this video! I wanted another hour or so. :-)
I will never get tired of hearing Hank geeking out.
Beauty is the cycle of curiosity and creativity. Think about it. Search your soul. You will agree.
were hank's answers prepared at all? as answers go they were pretty impressive
"Ah, what a great guy !" *shakes head*
This was cool. I have been a geek my whole life. I think it depends where you are as to wether you fit in as a geek these days. In Oregon where I live, not so much. San Francisco during a tech convention? Oh god yes. But it's still tough introducing myself to girls as a software developer and film maker. They just think they can't be on my level.
To be a true geek, whatever subject you discuss or work in is understood to an academic level. Whether it's pizza, Harry Potter, or Astronomy.
"what do you geek out about?"
"...DUDE! NO EDGE!"
Hank Green talking about geekdom?! This is the geekiest video in existence.
I always defined nerd as someone who has an intense interest or curiosity in a subject and geek as someone who has an intense interest or curiosity in geeky things, like science and junk.
I think the reason geeks prefer fantasy and genres like that because they tend to have more creativity than people who shoot them down and that's a way to express it.
My bio teacher from high school always said "Marry a geek, you can't go wrong." Hahaha!
I'm happy Wheezy's able to have a new platform here, he's a very witty and talented guy
Totally agree with what you are saying. However hank has a degree in chemistry. And since this was his prospective I think that's how it is defined for him.
I made a funny noise when he asked Hank: What do you geek out about?
His reaction noise was better though!
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! So, no one's going to comment about the enthusiasm on the guy's face when he eats the bread at 1:04? I think that deserves a mention, at least. I mean, dat wink.
This video needed a Mongoltage!
I had a vacuum part replacement advert. Mysterious!
Loved this.
What you said is partially true, but I think that there is a marked difference in the way that everyone, including kids, are reacting to geekyness. Also, you're looking at geek as a positive word (which I totally do as well), while many people associated it with social awkwardness or strangeness in the past.
Not prepared at all. Just a conversation we had.
What do you geek out about? - Craig
Oooooooohhhh - Hank :D
Priceless.
As Craig was shaking his head about Genghis Khan I was thinking "This guy really needs to watch Crash Course History"
hank is the only person who has ever taught me anything about chemistry.. my brain doesn't understand and here i do
I geek out about teck, history, space and a 100 other things new knowledge of most types.
I would have Hank as my Geek King.
Wow I loved this video Wheezy. I wasn't sure if I'd be interested but yes! Geeks are more of a thing now. Semi hipster.
Respect the Geeks needs to be shirt
Also Hank is so on the money always :D
Yay hank green =]
You didnt link the next episode in the description.
2:56 I'd have loved it if Hank suddenly burst into singing My Phone.
Good Stuff!
Loved Hank's reaction when he mentioned that Disney bought the rights to Star Wars.
For some reason, I feel his pain, yet I can't stop laughing.
Loved this
Hahahaha, "What a great guy!" (shaking head furiously)
THE SHADOW!!! I love pulp heroes.
Being a nerd is the best.
Just one question: so is a "geek" basically the opposite of a "hipster"? Geeks like things that are/because they are "cool" (and some "uncool" things because they are, in the geek's opinion, "cool"), get enthusiastic about stuff and will gladly share what they love with everyone around them, while "hipsters" like things because they are unpopular and will only like said things for as long as they are unpopular, they like things ironically and would prefer other people not to share their interests. Its become sort of an opposites things - geeks are open and celebratory of their interests, hipsters are snobby about them. Obviously nobody fits these stereotypes completely, but is this the current definition of a "nerd/geek" - an anti-hipster?
NOTE: I do consider myself a geek. A big geek.
+Aleksandra Gieralt Well, *I* think hipsters and geeks are on the opposite ends of an attitude spectrum, yes. Geeks find things they love unabashedly, and continue to love them whether or not those things are widely loved in the wider culture. Geeks hold on to their favorite superhero lunchboxes long after grade school, and still have their favorite band posters on their walls (to illustrate the geek stereotype).
But hipsters, while also being intellectual, are, as you say, snobby about it. If *too many* people come to love the thing they were enthusiastic about six months ago, then they decide it's not good, anymore.
Also, from what I've seen of how self-identifying hipsters define "hipster," they seem to love irony -- for example, they'll tell a racist or sexist joke as an ironic way to criticize racism or sexism. And if you get offended by that, then it must be you're not smart enough to "get it."
Yeah, I consider myself a geek, too.
I'm kind of surprised that the geek vs nerd war isn't going on that I can see. For once I can say this: Good on ya RUclips commenters.
Love space
Love comic books
Wear over sized glasses
Loved drawing
That's describes me
Hello, from a fellow history geek! :) DFTBA!
Is that a picture of Ashton Kutcher or is the casting for that movie better than I though?
Nice chemistry out here.😂😂
Yeah, wouldn't have been great to be a part of that community?... no, no it wouldn't have.
Hank rolling his eyes at his own pun. XD
Geek and most awesome person ever!
This guy teaches me science
so so awesome
Nerdy and geeky is the new cool
This was awesome ^_^
OMG, Hank Green is Heisenberg!!
1:20 where is that footage can anyone send me a link please
the ad before the video started was BarbieLand. oi.
What does Hank Green geek out about? "DUDE NO EDGE!"
Aren't the words Geek and Nerd pretty much interchangeable? Even if there is a difference, there's a lot of overlap between the two these days I think.
It's Hank. He could easily have done this with no preparation. (Not saying that he did have preparation).
I thought Hank Green was a nerd
Hank is funny :) The tile sounds to me like : Captain obvious being obvious :)
Head Squeeze have a video dissecting the difference between geeks and nerds. "Geek or Nerd ? What's the difference?" /watch?v=mF4q_K6YsjE
Ha! So you you admit, despite previous statements to the contrary, that killing clones is murder!
I think in future videos you should switch camera angels less often. It may seem cool but it's very distracting.
Just my thoughts, loved this video otherwise!
HANK YOU LOOK LIKE BILL GATES!
oh man that issue of prophet.
These are the voyages...
4:22 deadly premonition
3:00 OH.
that's exactly what I was thinking