The "Other" Geek Definition

A while ago, I did a post where I defined the differences between "geek" and "nerd" and whatnot. Anyway, there are plenty of things that don't fit the original definition of geek. Like the phrase "geeking out". That really is more akin to "fanboy/fangirl" moments than a technology-based thing.

But really, what constitutes "geeking out"? Well, here's what I've come up with on that phrase. (This is my opinion, solely my opinion. Not agreeing with my opinion means you are human and have the possibility of thinking differently from me. Congratulations. Agreeing with my opinion means you are human and have the possibility of being extremely awesome.) To me, there are three pieces to being able to "geek out": 1) fanship 2) living 3) conversing

"Geeking out" requires being a fan of something, geek-related or not. To veer away from sci-fi/fantasy, I'm gonna use the TV show FRIENDS. (Will Ross and Rachel ever swallow their pride long enough to make a relationship last or even get into a relationship with one another? Meh, I care more about what Phoebe's gonna randomly say next.)

Now "geeking out" to me is defined by living/breathing/sleeping/eating/dreaming about your fan topic. Since "geeks" are deemed to be very knowledgeable, "geeking out" is being able to hold a discussion on (in this instance) FRIENDS without worrying about having to be a poser of any sort. You can admit not knowing the random episode here and there because "I don't really like that episode." Example: despite being really knowledgeable about this show, there are some episodes I really don't like. These include about half of the third season episodes, the Eddie episodes from season 2, and a small portion of the tenth season. But I can still refer to the episodes.

And finally, you need to have other people to geek out with so you can converse about this topic. One of my longest friendships is with my friend Casey, with whom I went to high school. She and I are both big FRIENDS fans. As much fun as it'd be to play Friends: Scene-It together, I bet it'd be something akin to World War III if we disagree on anything in the 10-year run of the show. But as she and I have random chats or text messages, we will throw in at least 1 Friends reference a week, easily. (The average is probably much higher.) Saying something like "Pivot. PIVOT. PIVOT!" or "My eyes! My EYES!" is not unheard of between us.

Now, there is a difference between "geeking out" and having a "fanboy/fangirl" moment. See, geeking out generally takes place away from any of the physical representations of what you are a geek on. Meaning: if I were to run into Lisa Kudrow or go to the Warner Bros. studio where there's a Central Perk replica and be as excited as a little kid at Disneyland (or some kids at Toys R Us for that matter), then I'd be a fanboy.

Okay, that's it for my nerdy knowledge/opinions for today.

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