The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Nerd

PDF download Download Article
Everything you need to know about knowing everything
PDF download Download Article

Bill Gates has some famous advice: "Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one." He may be right: nerds make the world run, even if they (gently) stop short of world domination. To be a nerd, get curious about everything—learn all there is to know about your interests, consume as much informational material as you can, and follow your unique impulses and passions. No two nerds are quite the same! Whatever your definition of a nerd is, read on for tips on how to become one.

Things You Should Know

  • Find a subject or subjects that you can immerse yourself in. The more you learn, the better—as the saying goes, knowledge is power!
  • Ask questions and examine the details. If something doesn’t look right or make sense, try to figure out why— you might just discover something extraordinary.
  • Follow your passions, not what’s popular. Being a nerd means not being afraid to go against the grain, express yourself, and explore your interests.
Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Thinking Like a Nerd

PDF download Download Article
  1. There may be significant overlap between the three, but if anyone would care about the subtle distinctions, it would be a nerd.
    • A nerd is thought to be a highly intelligent person who has a singular passion about an academic pursuit. They tend to be either socially inept or asocial.
    • A geek is thought to be an individual who is always interested in a niche activity or subject, but who is not necessarily academically inclined nor as asocial as the nerd.
    • A dork is thought to be slightly sillier and not at all asocial, but perhaps not interested in a niche or academic pursuit.
  2. In other words, act the only way you know how, in a way all your own. Nerds are renowned for being weird because they are, each in their own way, quite unique. Live your life like it's entirely your own, like you are the master of your own ship. By just being yourself and embracing your own eccentricities, you're already being weird. If you're looking for inspiration, read about some famous nerds in history. Here are three short vignettes of people, considered "nerds," who did entirely what they wanted:
    • Isaac Newton is a great example. He made many discoveries including the reflector telescope, differential and integral calculus, Laws of Motion and Gravitation, and colors of light. He was usually busy with his research work. He didn't talk much, and only slept about three hours a night. (He probably should have seen a doctor about that.)
    • Katherine Johnson worked for NASA as a "human computer." Her calculations were so accurate that she was asked to double-check the work of the actual computers. [1] She co-authored 26 scientific papers.
    • Alan Turing is another famous nerd. Half-hero, half-scapegoat, Turing is credited with helping to crack the Nazi Enigma codes at the end of World War II, as well as playing an instrumental role in developing the first computers of the 20th century. [2] Despite his achievements, he was later prosecuted by the British government for having a boyfriend and was forced to take estrogen injections to "neutralize his libido." [3] Turing died of suicide not long after the trial.
    Advertisement
  3. It doesn't need to be science-related, although researchers are finding that increasingly numbers of autistic individuals (who often qualify as nerdy) are drawn to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM majors). Learn as much as you can about the subjects you are interested in, and safeguard that knowledge so that you can use it effectively later on.
  4. Many nerds are defined by their ability — some say habit — to question the information they receive until they are satisfied about its authenticity or understand the logic behind it. To be a nerd, you must be on an insatiable quest for knowledge. To be on an insatiable quest for knowledge, you must constantly question the quality, source, and utility of information you receive.
    • Don't trust information just because it comes from an authority figure. Nerds understand that figures of authority can sometimes get away with misleading or falsified information simply because of their power. Be willing to fact-check, especially if something seems off or too convenient.
    • Get to the root of things. A nerd will understand a question inside and out. A nerd will not rely on memorized information, but rather on understanding a concept. If a nerd asks the question "Why is the sky blue?" and is given the answer, "Because molecules in the air scatter blue light from the sun more than they scatter red light," [4] her next question will inevitably be: "Why do molecules in the air scatter blue light from the sun more than they scatter red light?" they will continue the line of questioning until the answer relates to something they already understand completely.
  5. The devil may be in the details, but that doesn't mean you can't embrace them. (That was Vladimir Nabokov's advice to his students. [5] ) The nerd may prefer concrete details over generalizing statements because details can be cross-checked by reality more easily than generalities can. The nerd cares more about being right than appearing smart, so he grabs onto details as a way of investigating reality.
    • Many nerds gravitate towards sci, tech, eng, math , i.e.: STEM majors: STEMs deal plainly in facts and systems observable in nature, whereas many other more subjective disciplines lack the objective, fact-checking component.
    • Other nerds prefer more theoretical fields, such as abstract fields or the humanities. These also have room for analysis and discussion.
  6. No, this is not an obscure fashion directive; it's a way of thinking. Nerds tend to see gray areas where others see black and white. This is because nerds are good at examining pros and cons, comparison and contrasts, theses and rebuttals. They devalue their own opinion and focus on the "quantifiable" facts. Sometimes, this leaves them looking like occupational vacillators, constantly seesawing back and forth between "sides" of an argument (arguing with themselves, it may seem). In fact, they are gathering information and waiting for pre-aligned, set "opinion" (conclusion) to hit them with the force of facts, instead of forming an opinion (hypothesis) that one begins justifying by supporting facts.
    • While some areas are black and white (e.g. questions of basic science or respecting human rights), many areas aren't so simple. There may be exceptions, nuances, and qualifications. Look for those and see what you can learn from them.
    • There are several scientific/philosophical theories that nerds who love the gray area reference. It might be helpful to get familiar with just a few of them:
      • Thomas Kuhn's paradigm shifts : Periods of "normal science" are interrupted by periods of "revolutionary science," called paradigm shifts that are relentlessly discussed and expounded (defined, diagrammed, flow-charted, mapped, extrapolated, spanning and forming a new amalgam, a new reality...). For STEMs adherents paradigm shifts are entirely new, focuses of scientific thinking and concentration. [6]
      • Kurt Gödel's incompleteness : It's impossible to establish consistency and completeness inside formal logical systems. In other words, all consistent axiomatic formulations of number theory include propositions/assumptions that are undecidable (fundamental elements of math include the undefined point, line, plain and space which are nonetheless bases to define large fields of mathematics). [7]
  7. If you know someone who is experienced in a certain field, ask them what they know. Pose questions, listen closely to their answers, and speak up if you don't understand yet, or if you disagree with them.
    • Remember, knowledge can come from surprising sources! Everyone is good at something. Practice intellectual humility and approach each person as if they have something new to teach you.
    • If you disagree with an expert, do so with respect and humility. It's possible they've heard your statement many times before and can tell you exactly how wrong it is.
  8. Being intelligent doesn't mean knowing everything; it means knowing things and being eager to learn more. Get comfortable with asking questions and being wrong. The quest for knowledge includes wrong turns and realizing that you don't know. Focus less on "What do I know?" and more on "What can I learn?"
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Acting Like a Nerd

PDF download Download Article
  1. Nerds get the reputation for being in the clouds half the time because their minds are wandering, probing distant places or complex correlations and equations. For this reason, don't be afraid to be aloof, if that's who you are. Lose yourself in the intellectual areas that make you happy and help you feel connected to the world, even if it means you seem disconnected by the "depth" and "displacement" involved in your internalizing a singular passion.
    • Your passion could be anything, from cryptology to philosophy to Norse mythology to philately. Whatever it is, make it a blast!
    • Set short- and long-term goals for yourself. The sooner you set yourself some goals (perhaps in an outline of variable and constant parameters, a rubric, or a protocol), the easier it will be to achieve them. Setting absorbing goals has the benefit of being especially nerdy!
  2. Think differently. Don't be afraid to tackle an idea or activity that isn't popular. (Realize that you may not have a great grasp of what is popular and what isn't in the first place. No matter!)
    • If you found that lining your car antenna with aluminum foil gives you better reception on the AM stations in your car, then go for it. A nerd does not care how their car looks if the radio station is playing properly.
    • If you propose to test all your friends for an antibody not yet known to science, then go for it (with your friends' consent). A nerd does not care whether the world doubts their methods and challenges their findings.
    • If you are interested in computer viruses and want to tell all your friends what a trojan is, then go for it! A lot of nerds like to learn about things that seem pointless to others.
  3. A nerd is on a constant quest for knowledge. A nerd doesn't always care whether the information they receive has any utility. The mere fact that it's simple, profound, or counter-intuitive is enough to make it cool.
  4. Read everything in your area(s) of interests that you can get your hands on, including reference books and encyclopedias. Read and watch the news enough everyday to be informed about what's going on beyond your community. Read fiction books, too, because they can help build your vocabulary and gives you a good sense of spelling. Read things that you like, but your parents don't approve of.
    • Take regular trips to the library. If you can't go physically, try checking out e-books.
    • Read a variety of nonfiction and fiction books. Nonfiction teaches you new things. Fiction teaches you new perspectives. (Look for books about people who are different from you, such as people of different cultures, races, or disabilities. Also check out books that tackle major social issues.)
    • Study related languages. Try to pick up a language just for kicks; or maybe because a subject your learning about has original sources in the native tongue. Experiment with web-based translation machines. If you feel that learning a language is too hard, then try and learn Pig Latin. Pig Latin has a set of rules to go by in order to speak it, so it is very easy to learn.
      • Extra cred goes to nerds who study a "dead" or fictional language, such as Cuman, Eyak, and Karankawa, or Elvish, Dothraki, or Klingon. [8] Dead or fictional languages are exquisitely nerdy.
    • Note that informative reading doesn’t have to mean slogging through a dry, unbearable textbook. For an entertaining and informative read, try the funny physics classic Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman or The Feynman Lectures, any of Brian Greene’s very popular and accessible science bestsellers, or well-researched historical fiction like I, Claudius (whose unlikely hero survives a particularly brutal period in the Roman Empire).
  5. Try to get a seat where you can clearly hear, see the teacher and chalkboard, and pay attention. A good goal to set for yourself is to try getting mostly As in everything you do at school, including homework. Take notes, study for that test, and focus. Most of all, come to school ready to learn and try not to worry about the social scene too much if it's uninteresting or uncomfortable.
    • Try some extracurricular activities, such as robotics or math club, chess, or drama. Try to balance your extracurriculars so that they don't bring your grades down.
    • Ask a lot of questions in class. There is no such thing as a stupid question, remember? The only stupid question is the question you didn't ask.
    • Do research above and beyond what is taught in class. YouTube channels such as Khan Academy, Crash Course, Vsauce, Numberphile, CGP Grey to name a few, offer the opportunity to get ahead at the convenience and enjoyment of your computer.
    • Don't be afraid to look into online learning or get a tutor if you're struggling with a certain subject area. Everyone has certain subjects that don't come easily to them. Your school may offer free tutoring resources.
  6. Nerds deal with their anger and heartbreak in a productive way: they think very carefully and logically about what to do or say, or amend changes to their debate presentation before they lash out at other people. Don't cut yourself down. What other people say about you isn't necessarily who you are. Just don't pay attention to what they say about the way you are.
  7. Make sure you take proper care of your body. Here are some things that help you stay sharp:
    • Eat a healthy diet .
    • Establish a regular sleep schedule. Aim for around 8+ hours to refresh your brain. As a nerd, your brain is one of your biggest assets in life, so you should take care of it.
    • Exercise regularly - even a nerd can be physically fit!
    • Brush your teeth, use floss, and use mouthwash. Regular tooth-brushing improves longevity and reduces a surprising amount of health risks.
    • Maintain good hygiene.
    • It's a common stereotype for nerds to have lots of allergies/health issues, but try to stay on top of all of your medications. For example, if you have asthma, always have your inhaler with you in case of an attack.
  8. You're a nerd and you know it. But you're also willing to be optimistic. You like who you are, even if it doesn't seem like very many other people do. (That's okay, they simply don't understand you.) The friends that you do have are good people who make you feel like you want to be alive.
    • It may not always be easy. Life can be tough, but you can be equally tough. Nerds are resilient in challenging situations, willing to get up and keep going despite being knocked down.
    • If optimism feels impossible, that's a sign of a problem. A nerd doesn't keep trying the same things if it's clear they aren't working. Find ways to change your life to be more advantageous to your success and well-being. Consult a counselor or doctor if needed; they are experts, after all.
    9. Advertisement


Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Dressing Like a Nerd

PDF download Download Article
  1. You shouldn't have to worry too much about your fashion sense, because a nerd prizes comfort over style, so if it so happens that you love wearing sweatpants, then embrace it!
  2. Pull long hair back out of your face. Wear clothes that don't itch and are good for walking, sitting, and running.
    • Look for clothes that have nerdy patterns, like plaid, argyle, or pinstripes. You can wear such patterns on your shirts, jackets, sweaters, or even your pants.
    • Bring a sweater to tie around your waist if needed. This way, you'll be prepared for variable temperatures.
    • If you're a female, only wear high heels if you can walk and run confidently in them. If you want to be taller, stick with kitten heels or platform shoes; a significant heel can cause foot damage and is definitely not practical.
    • Shoes that nerds are commonly associated with wearing are Chuck Taylor All-Stars, loafers, dress shoes, or boat shoes.
    • Measure your feet before you go shoe shopping. You want to make sure the shoes you buy give your feet plenty of support and comfort, and enough room for you to wiggle your toes.
    • If you have foot problems like flat feet, meet up with a podiatrist to have your feet examined - it's okay if you need to wear orthopedics!
    • Colored pants are a staple of the nerdy style. You can wear any pants you like, but only wear ones that are comfortable for you. Popular color choices include olive green, maroon, brown, gray, mustard yellow, and navy blue.
    • Khakis are a classic choice if colored pants aren't your thing.
    • Chino pants are a more casual alternative.
  3. Look for ones that make you chuckle or smile. Math jokes, or obscure topics (binary code, Latin, etc.) work great, too, as do movie references.
    • Try using T-shirts to advertise your interest in your favorite video games, movies, books, or TV shows. This may attract new nerdy friends who like the same things.
    • Try on button-down shirts, long-sleeved or short-sleeved ones. You can wear it in a solid color or with a pattern. To appear dressier, wear a tie and keep the shirt buttoned up all the way.
    • Polo shirts are a more casual alternative if button-down shirts aren't your thing.
  4. Glasses not help you see better, which is good for your overall health, but they're also the defining staple of the nerdy style, so they'll help increase your nerd quotient drastically. Find a pair of glasses you like, and you'll get used to wearing them in no time.
    • Because nerds aren't into fashion statements, wearing fake glasses isn't really a nerd thing. (Geeks and hipsters sometimes do this.)
    • Glasses can also help make you more attractive, as long as you wear them with confidence.
  5. Nerds are infamous in the fashion world for wearing clothes that don't flatter their body type and are rather anachronistic, probably because their clothes are hand-me-downs. So if you're going for the nerd look, choose your wardrobe by lottery instead of carefully fitting the outfit together.
    • Some nerds go for the disheveled look (by accident or choice). There's nothing wrong with this as long as you're showered and clean.
  6. Some nerds, but not all, have the preppy look on lock-down. A button-down shirt (tucked-in, of course), a vest, chino pants, and loafers, with a hint of messiness to tie it all together. Especially when worn during informal occasions, this style will get you pegged for a nerd in no time.
    7. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Socializing Like a Nerd

PDF download Download Article
  1. A nerd may be very smart, but he or she never looks down on anyone who isn't as smart as he or she is. Work on being polite, gentle, and easygoing with everyone around you, whether they are a jock, a valley girl, or anyone who has an intellectual disability.
    • Sometimes, correcting others hurts more than it helps. If a person is sensitive or in a bad mood, or if the situation isn't good, let it slide. (With the exception of health issues, of course.) If you know that a person prefers to be corrected, discreetly correct them and don't make it a big deal.
    • Support fellow nerds. If you should find one getting bullied or snubbed by his or her non-nerdy peers, be there for him or her. Introduce yourself and invite him or her to spend time together with you so you can get to know each other better.
  2. Nerds are usually pretty good with words because they care about getting things right. It doesn't hurt that they may read more in a month than the average American reads in a year. [9] Regardless, the misconception out there is that nerds use big words. Wrong. Nerds use the right word given the context . Sometimes, the right word happens to be a big one. Very smart nerds have the ability to use incredibly basic words to explain incredibly complex subject matter.
    • Make the dictionary and thesaurus your friend. Whenever you come across a word you don't know, consult the dictionary. Whenever you believe you could be using a better word given the circumstances, consult a thesaurus.
    • Skip the overly complex or obscure words if you're talking to a child or someone with a limited vocabulary. The point of communication is to share ideas, not make the other person feel inferior.
    • Recognize that prioritizing other things doesn't mean someone is unintelligent or boring. Some people who love to style hair are interested in the chemistry that is used to make hair products. Some football players love the theatre and acting.
    • It's good to be friends with fellow nerds, though you shouldn't judge non-nerdy people for not being "smart." Maybe they didn't have the same educational opportunities as you have had or they have a disability. They still could be interesting in other ways, and you never know what you could learn from them.
  3. Nerds are fun-loving and playful, with activities such as LAN parties , having movie marathons, playing role-playing or tabletop games, or collecting things (like comic books, rocks and minerals, or film paraphernalia) being examples of typical nerdy activities. You can enjoy them alone (independence can be good) or with your new nerdy friends (the more the merrier!)!
    • Be cautious about alcohol, especially if you are underage. This can impair your judgment and could harm your ability to recognize harmful or dangerous activities.
    • Say "no thanks" if anyone offers you drugs.
  4. While geeks often navigate between social groups, nerds are more likely to associate with other nerds, because of common interests. Maybe if you're an abstract thinker, try to find a nerd who's more practical or technical, and vice versa. [10] Having a friend, or a set of friends, who complement you is as much as anyone could ask for.
    • If you don’t know any nerds who are interested in what you do, find a community online or try to get your own friends interested in aspects of nerdiness. The web is increasingly becoming an important social community for nerds, mainly because of its focus on free expression and its utility as platform for technology.
    • Don't be afraid to branch out to non-nerdy friends too. They have their own values and interesting perspectives.
    5. Advertisement



Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I am an artist. I like reading and learning. Does it make me a nerd?
    Luna Rose
    Top Answerer
    That's up to you! Many nerds like those things, but that doesn't necessarily make you a nerd. The label of "nerd" is something you claim for yourself because you like it and you think it fits. Regardless of whether you like the idea of being a nerd, interests in art, reading, and learning are excellent things. Keep pursuing them!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 56
  • Question
    I am friends with a lot of people considered "nerds" and I want to be a nerd like them, but I don't know how I should talk. Should I be quieter? Or should I talk constantly? Please help!
    Luna Rose
    Top Answerer
    Some nerds are quiet, some nerds are talkative, and some are in between. Don't worry so much about how much you "should" talk. Speak up when you think you have something worth saying, and stop to listen when you want to focus on someone else's ideas. Nerds share their unique ideas and they also listen and learn from other people. Use your best judgment and don't worry too much about it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 57
  • Question
    Does being the smartest person in your grade make you a nerd?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    Being a "nerd" is a label you give yourself. Having intelligence doesn't necessarily make you a nerd, though it is a common "nerdy" trait. See if you think being called a "nerd" seems fitting for you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 38
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Here's a list of suggestions of different types of nerds, not stereotypes; these are sketches, not rules:
        • Anime/Manga nerd—a nerd who is obsessed with Anime or Manga, and basically everything Japanese in general. Also called 'Wapanese' (a more derogatory term meaning white people who pretend to be Japanese). Nerds of these sorts also call themselves 'Otaku,' which is a Japanese insult meaning 'fanatic.' (The term is not generally recognized outside of Japan, and is used mostly by American anime and manga fans.) The Otaku community is not just a group of rabid fans; they are often prolific and creative fan fiction writers. Otaku often attend anime and manga conventions, and sometimes engage in cosplay. Otaku are generally common, and easy to find in a group of nerds.
        • Comic book nerd- these are nerds that are interested in comic books and comic book characters, especially superheroes. You can be a nerd about the Marvel/DC Comics superhero franchise or you can be interested in other, non manga comic books and graphic novels such as The Archies. These nerds are similar to the manga nerds and they may be involved in activities such as cosplaying.
        • Music nerd—also called "band geeks." These nerds got groove. They're usually seen with their instrument of choice or silently tapping out complicated drum rhythms.
        • DJ nerd—practices constantly, hordes vinyl in massive quantities, and can remember the artist, track name, record label, year of release, and a million other obscure details about every record ever released in their chosen favorite genre. They also like to make DJ playlists for their own benefit.
        • Computer nerd—helpful, and can compile a kernel in a heartbeat. They know at least 1 programming language, and are skilled hackers. Usually seen putting the finishing touches on a website or helping the computer-tech teacher.
        • Video game nerd—these nerds are becoming more common daily. Always seen playing and competing in the latest games, they are the progenitors of the '1337' language, and usually identify each other by conversing in it. A sub-class of the Computer nerd. However, video games are more of a geek thing.
        • Factoid nerd—annoying at times, but weirdly endearing. Can recite dozens of things no one needed to know — from the full "Hamlet's Soliloquy" to the nutritional value of goat's milk (not just trivia, but things might matter in your knowledge-base).
        • History nerd—Knows everything about their favorite time period(s). Compares everyday life to historical events. Is a historian by a young age and could beat out college students in American Government class.
        • Competitive nerd—compares results, too much; may breathe loudly, and also glance around to see who's not finished, in their marginal time—has to be the first one done (or the last one, if it requires depth and thoroughness). Often alienates others. Always wants to be the best at everything, especially in academics.
        • Dorky nerd—gifted with a natural lack of grace and style. They have difficulty carrying on a conversation about topics that are not their obsession. Nevertheless, they are often sweet and endearing.
        • Drama nerd—possessed with an attitude, which is rare in other types of nerds. They know the ins and outs of many theater arts, including dance, mime, chorus, et cetera.
        • Math nerd—usually knows calculus at a young age or another form of advanced math. They enjoy playing with numbers and learning more than what is taught in school. You can get math nerd stuff such as tutorials on the Internet. [11]
        • Natural science nerd—initially a generalist, he/she almost always specializes in one form of science (biology, physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology) at a very young age and proceeds to become a super-specialist.
        • "Sci-Fi" nerd—a nerd who loves Star Wars, X-Files, Comics, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stargate SG-1 or Stargate Atlantis, Lexx, Farsape, Andromeda, Doctor Who, Torchwood, Zombies and/or Star Trek. May be a geek.
        • Literature nerd—specializes in fiction, almost always seen to be reading or composing post-modern essays. Usually has a favorite era of literature. Known to be able to produce a notebook out of nowhere. Distinct from emo poets.
        • Speech nerd—speaks clearly and enunciates well. Launch randomly into friendly lectures. Never shuts up. Speaks too passionately for this subject, compared to the average person's disinterest.
        • Debate nerd—always firm in their beliefs. They do their homework on controversial issues, so don't mess with them! They can be found in debate clubs (obviously) and are usually holding some sort of argument even if they're just playing devils advocate.
        • No-crap nerd—these nerds will not deal with others' bad behavior and will stand strong with what they know and believe. These nerds may also take martial art, weightlifting classes, boxing, etc. to be able to stand up and fight, a rarity among nerds.
        • Fabricator nerd—can design and build engineering and physics projects, and use power tools like nobody's business. They know how to work everything from a soldering iron to a chainsaw... sometimes without even checking a manual. Many construction nerds are robotic nerds.
        • Robotics nerd—joins programs like BEST, FIRST, or other after-school robotics clubs. They can usually work any kind of remote (and with lightening speed) and are usually good with electronics/computers.
        • Rail nerd—a nerd who has an obsession with railways, usually known as a trainspotter. Often seen at a station with a notebook, camera, or binoculars.
        • Road nerd—Also called a road geek, these nerds specialize in roads. They go to "road meets", and drive around a lot.
        • Hot nerd—The most elusive of all nerds, due challenges in identifying the species by sight alone. Demands an approximately 1:1:1 ratio of cute, funny, and intelligent. Common traits include: individual activities (willing to separate from the pack), ability and willingness to read a book outside of Stephen King, Michael Crichton or John Grisham, tends to be quiet yet articulate; a subtle sense of humor and quick wit... and, of course, cuteness.
        • Cool nerd—this is a social classing of a nerd, also referred to as 'popular nerds.' However, don't be deceived by the words "cool" or "popular." These nerds still have their quirks, it just means that they are more sociable than other nerds. Most cool nerds have a good sense of humor and dress in an edgy, fashionable way.
        • Awkward nerd—this is the second type of social classing for nerds. These nerds can range from socially inept to just annoying, but basically boil down to awkward (hence the name). Being awkward isn't a completely bad thing. They have friends and meet all the requirements of being a nerd, but they normally have less of a social life.
        • Social science nerds—Usually dwell in fields such as psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, and political science. These guys take the crown for jargon, articulation, and long-windedness. Although their ideas are often overlooked, they still manage to propose earth-shattering epiphanies about human behavior.
        • Astronomy nerd -- They are very interested in astronomy and know a lot about it. These nerds will sometimes have themselves nose deep in an astronomy book.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • If you make mistakes in the exam, check with your teacher straight away to know what they are, so you can correct them in the future. Bargain for marks if you have to; there is nothing wrong in that if you are serious about education.
        Thanks
        Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1
      • Be yourself. Do you like to solve equations all the time? Go on then!
        Thanks
        Helpful 11 Not Helpful 1
      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Find online communities or in-person groups related to your niche interests. Connecting with fellow enthusiasts keeps your passions alive and brings camaraderie.
      • Correct others judiciously if needed, but don't be overbearing. Sometimes, it hurts more than it helps. And don't judge people for having different priorities.
      • Develop interests complementary to fellow nerds. For example, if someone leans technical, you lean theoretical. Balance strengths for an enriching dynamic.
      • Set a mixture of short- and long-term learning goals to motivate your growth. Outline measurable steps to achieve them. Review and amend regularly.
      • Don't worry about fashion or physical appearance beyond basic hygiene and neatness. As a nerd, comfort and practicality take priority over style.
      • Read a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction works voraciously. Both impart useful knowledge and perspectives, expanding your worldview.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Don't become so consumed with your obsession that you lose sight of reality. A balanced life is important, and a good nerd recognizes the value of other pursuits. Too much specialization is unhealthy.
        Thanks
        Helpful 43 Not Helpful 10
      • If you constantly bully or mock someone who is less intelligent than you, they could get their friends to mock you or bully back.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 4
      • Not everyone in your life will like you for your nerdiness. Some may bully or try to convince you that "No, you have it wrong..." and your nerdy style (or nerds in general) aren't cool. Whatever you do, be faithful to truth and accuracy. Listen to new ideas if they have worth, and don't become bogged down by stuffy ideologies or bland stereotypes.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
      • If you want to be a computer nerd, don't use Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge. They are bad browsers and are the "default browsers" on your computer. The same thing with the Apple Safari on Apple products. Good web browsers are Firefox and Google Chrome. Better yet, use a more obscure, less mainstream browsers such as Opera. Never refer to either web browser by their full name, IE and FF are popular acronyms for the first two. GC to represent Google Chrome is outdated - use "chrome" instead
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Become a Lifelong Learner
      How to
      Dress Like a Nerd
      How to
      Be the Type of Nerd That Girls Love
      How to
      Appear Like a Smart Girl at School
      How to
      Tell the Difference Between Nerds and Geeks
      How to
      Stop Being Viewed As a Nerd
      How to
      Dress Like a Cool Nerd
      How to
      Get a Girlfriend as a Nerd
      How Do Nerdy Guys Flirt? 11 Subtle Signs He's Flirting with You
      How to
      Get a Nerd to Like You
      How to
      Dress Like a Nerd as a Girl
      How to
      Date a Nerd
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nasa.gov/content/katherine-johnson-biography
      2. ↑ http://www.turing.org.uk/bio/part4.html
      3. ↑ http://www.turing.org.uk/bio/part8.html
      4. ↑ http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/BlueSky/blue_sky.html
      5. ↑ http://www.lrb.co.uk/v14/n09/craig-raine/craig-raine-fondles-vladimir-nabokov
      6. ↑ http://www.scottlondon.com/reviews/kuhn.html
      7. ↑ http://www.miskatonic.org/godel.html
      8. ↑ http://www.flavorwire.com/241298/a-brief-guide-to-fictional-languages-in-literature
      9. ↑ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/21/AR2007082101045_pf.html
      1. ↑ [ https://www.wired.com/2009/07/great-geek-debates-geek-vs-nerd/
      2. ↑ http://www.virtualnerd.com/algebra-1/linear-equation-analysis/slope-intercept-from-word-problem.php get word problem and science help at virtualnerd.com
      3. Partially based on research at 1.) http://reference.com -- with links to other sources and related topics and 2.) http://dictionary.reference.com gives several dictionaries applicable to you word (slang, science, medical, etc.).

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The easiest way to be a nerd is to be yourself, eccentricities and all! Immerse yourself in a subject that you enjoy, and ask plenty of questions. Continue to read and learn, and turn your frustrations into art or creativity. Find friends with similar interests so you can discuss your passion. Keep reading the article if you want to learn how to dress like a nerd!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 979,201 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Mr. Roy

        Jun 17, 2016

        "This is the definitive guide on this subject and should be a book. Please consider my suggestion seriously, if you ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement