Nerd as a stereotypical or archetypal designation, refers to somebody who passionately pursues intellectual or esoteric knowledge or pastimes rather than engaging in social life, participating in organized sports, or other mainstream activities. The Merriam-Webster definition is an “unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person: especially: one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits.” While Nerd, Dork and Geek share in passionate pursuit of knowledge, the Australian colloquialism dag shares the association with the unfashionable and socially inept with the added feature of being affable and amusing. A Nerd is often excluded from physical activity, and is often considered a loner by other peers.
The stereotypical nerd is intelligent but socially and physically awkward. In film and television depictions, nerds are disproportionately male and white. However, after the introduction of the Steve Urkel character, nerds have been seen in all races and colors. They typically appear either to lack confidence or to be indifferent or oblivious to the negative perceptions held of them by others, with the result that they become frequent objects of scorn, ridicule, bullying, and social isolation. They show a pronounced interest in subjects which others tend to find dull or complex and difficult to comprehend, especially topics related to science, mathematics and technology.
