NERD

What Does NERD Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

The term NERD is generally accepted to describe a "clever but socially awkward person."

More Detail...

Of note, however, NERD is quickly moving away from a word with a negative connotation (i.e., to brand someone as uncool). Recently, NERD has evolved into a more positive term that simply describes someone with a passion for something (i.e., a science NERD, a music NERD, or a food NERD). It is even starting to take on a cool edge, and increasingly more people are happy to have themselves labelled as a NERD.

Image for NERD

When I write NERD, I mean this:

A NERD is someone who excels in a subject deemed to be uncool.

Summary of Key Points

Definition for NERD

NERD means "Clever but socially awkward person." This is the most common meaning for NERD on social-media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat.

NERD
Definition:	Clever but socially awkward person
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of NERD in Sentences

Here are examples of NERD in conversations:

• Tony: Hey, have you been watching the new series about space?
• Jordan: No, NERD. I have a social life.
(Here, NERD is offered with a negative connotation.)

• Tony: Can you fix my PC please. You're an IT NERD.
• Jordan: Of course.
• Tony: You're a star. Thanks.
(Here, NERD is offered with a positive connotation.)

An Academic Look at NERD

NERD is used as a noun (i.e., a naming word). For example:

• You are the biggest Maths NERD I've ever met.
(Here, NERD is being used as a noun.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the 1950s, when NERD was first introduced into society, we might have said something like "drip" or "square" instead of NERD.

Example of NERD Used in a Text

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