Merriam-Webster’s definition certainly doesn’t clear up the matter:
1: a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake
2: a person often of an intellectual bent who is disliked
3: an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity <computer geek>
The third definition would seem to be the most accurate—and certainly the least derogatory. But, depending on whom you ask, there’s no telling how many definitions of the word geek you could come across.
Sure, there are geek IQ tests that are good for a laugh (I was actually disappointed that I only scored a thirty percent). But what’s to say that even if you got a perfect score you actually wanted to be called a geek in the first place? Perhaps you define the term more along the lines of the first two definitions above.
Some even find the term sexist and believe that it excludes women software developers and testers. Joseph Reagle discusses in this podcast the dangers of setting up a “geek culture” in an office—where the designers’ view of said culture is limited and skewed. The design and decorations may be laid out with all the intentions of creating a fun environment, but the exact opposite can occur—the birth of an exclusionary and unattractive culture.
Creative YouTube videos of software professionals trying to outdo one another in their downtime aim to showcase geek culture in a fun and zany way. From the famous Java Life (where the star of the video gives a shout-out to all his “homies” only) to the frighteningly popular Harlem Shake and even in the recently released creative video below—the culture surrounding software development hubs today is anything but mundane.
Did you notice the number of women present in the three videos combined? I think I saw four—among countless men.
Some will argue that “this is just how it is; there aren’t that many women in software development”—and they’ll be correct. But they’re missing the point. Imagine how many more women might attempt to enter the field if they didn’t fear the labeling or even the excluding that happens when they first enter the door.
Whether you’re watching the videos above or interviewing software developers and testers directly (as I do on a weekly basis), one thing is clear—they all seem to really love their jobs.
So I’m proposing that Merriam-Webster add a fourth definition to their list:
4: professionals who are lucky enough to love their jobs and who wouldn’t trade their skills for the world
Those who’ve had a problem being called a geek in the past would no longer mind, and those who had never been labeled a geek could only dream of being one.
How do you view the term "geek?" Do we need a newer, updated version of the definition or do you tend to believe in the "sticks and stones" mantra? Let us know!
