I define the word "geek" as an intelligent (especially in terms of technology), yet often socially unique, person. There are different levels of geekhood, such as, band geek, math geek, star wars geek, or video game geek. In this regard, a geek can also be defined as someone overly obsessed with a certain topic.

I definitely consider myself a geek. I'm a math teacher, and I wear glasses so I certainly fit the image. I'm very interested in technology and mathematics, and I've always kind of marched to the beat of my own drummer. However, I am not interested in comic books, video games, or star trek. I'd define myself as a girlie geek. Geeks are sexy!

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Yes, Im am a proud geek. Im 39 years old, I play Rock Band and Magic the Gathering with my son, Im in theater with my daughters, I hang out at the library more than bars, I watch nothing but news and scifi on TV, I read books like theres no tomarrow and my sex like with my wife is G.R.E.A.T. great.

Geeks rule!

I would define geek as a person who is very knowledge-oriented and who disdains current fashions. A geek places much less emphasis on social conventions, worldly matters, or spiritual things than the average person.

My definition is perhaps more positive than the dictionary: "b. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept."

You can tell it is the same word though.

I have always been a geek, which means since long before the word became popular (although not before it was coined in the 1800's).

I am proud to be a particularly geekish geek, being a computer professional who insists on remaining technical, and always dancing to the beat of a different sousaphone player.

A Geek Is Simply Put A Polymath, I Consider Myself One.

To me "geek" (on its own with no other qualifying terms) means someone with both a passion for technology and a deep knowledge of it. Technology in this case means computers and related tech, rather than any other branch of technology or science. This is, as geeks would say, the default meaning of geek.

I think the word "geek" can also be used about other fields though. We can and do talk about a "film geek" or a "physics geek" for example, and everyone would understand. The default value for the object of one's passion and knowledge is technology, but other values can be specified. Often times though other fields have their own words that mean the same as geek, so a "food geek" is called a "foodie", and a "film geek" is called a "movie buff".

The twofold requirements are passion and deep knowledge.

For example, if you are professional technologist, but to you it's just work and you don't enthuse over it, you wouldn't be a geek.

Likewise if you love gadgets and surfing the net, but don't have a deep knowledge of the tech, you wouldn't be a geek.

There is no other connotation to "geek". Contrast that with "nerd" which means someone who is technically minded but lacking in social skills and lacking in ... umm... cool. Geek does not necessarily imply that, though it doesn't exclude the possibility either. Let us frankly admit that perhaps geeks are more prone to those tendencies than some.

As for whether I'm a geek, that is a tricky question.

Perhaps I'm a semi-geek or a former-geek. Arguing for being a geek... umm... learned programming age 12, degree in Comp Sci & Math, did research in AI, lot of professional experience in tech, and still think it's fun. On the non-geek side... always had other passions outside of tech as well, and long-since stopped being a hands-on techie, and moved into other fields.

I'll settle for saying I'm somewhat of a geek, but not the full-blown variety.