"Nerd" as a compliment

Times are changing

It’s interesting to pay attention to popular vocabulary and notice the evolution of words.

“Nerd” was a derogatory word when I was growing up. The last thing anyone wanted to be called was a nerd. We had “nerd day” as a dress-up day during Homecoming week, and kids wore floodwater pants and loafers, dress shirts with bow ties, pocket protectors, and thick-rimmed glasses with masking tape on the bridge. Sometimes they would add a propeller hat if they were extra. They were weak and scared. No one wanted to be a nerd.

Over the years, it seemed like “nerd” as an insult got a little softer. It was still a little derogatory but it evolved into a synonym for smart, shy, and maybe a little awkward. Nerds were interested in different things than their peers. Maybe they didn’t really fit in. They kept to themselves and their friend groups and they stayed out of trouble.

My 22-year-old uses the word “nerd” as a term of endearment. When describing someone she thinks is “nice” and a “good kid” and a “unique” person, she’ll often end by saying, “you know, your basic nerd.” When saying goodbye to her friends, she says “see ya later, nerd.”

Today my 19 year old gave nerd as the highest compliment. He just started his new semester at college and he had first classes today. He had a great first impression of his astronomy professor. He started with credentials - he has multiple degrees in different sciences - and then moved on to personality traits. He said he seems to really love what he does. He likes Star Trek and Star Wars, he has collectibles and costumes, he cosplays at conventions, and he shared that he has some kind of marker on his stormtrooper costume that signifies its “movie-grade” authenticity. He said, “basically he’s a big nerd. I love it.”

Though “nerd” is the word on my mind today, there are plenty of other words that change their meanings over the years. What’s an evolving word you can think of?