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Nerd used to be a catch-all phrase for someone who had, as far as society was concerned, a little too much interest in topics that were not considered particularly cool. Oh, how times have changed, and for the better. Geek and nerd culture has gone from an often mocked subculture into the mainstream.

Internet users send their favorite nerd and geek memes to this popular Facebook page. We’ve collected some of the best submissions here. So scroll down, upvote your favorites and if you want to check out more collections of nerdy and geeky stuff, Bored Panda has got you covered, with more articles here and here

Because comic books, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons have become so firmly embedded in popular culture, the word ‘nerd’ just doesn’t get thrown around as much. The word itself originated in the 1950s, with Dr. Seuss, of all people, though word etymologists, or word nerds, if you want to stick to the theme, believe that it was used among US college students at the time. 

By the 1960s, the words had spread around much of the English-speaking world, mostly to describe someone who was particularly bookish and studious. This is somewhat strange since many people avidly read comic books at the time, but only nerds were singled out for abuse based on their hobbies. In general, the trend seemed to be simply to bully those who professed an interest in things like science fiction and fantasy. 

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A slightly alternative theory is that in the 1970s, nerds, or knurds were people in college deemed to be boring since they would prefer to study, than, say, drink. The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that knurd is just drunk spelled backward, which isn’t really that clever. Regardless of its ‘true’ origin, the word entered the mainstream lexicon from the sitcom ‘Happy Days’ where it was used regularly.

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The Mother of All Nerds Report

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magix (they/them)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

DM: Okay, Flavius, you're in a locked room, stranded from the rest of the party. What do you want to do? Flavius: I will...cast Fireball on the door! DM: *rubbing temples* You. Want. To. Do. What? Augustus: He wants to Fireball the door. I wanna see this. Marcellus: *eating popcorn* DM: Fine. Roll for attack. Flavius: NAT XX!!! DM: *deep, deep sigh*

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François Bouzigues
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you happen to have like something absurd like a jetski and a matching electric guitar ? Yamaha : say no more

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As it often is with human cruelty, people with high-functioning-autism or Asperger syndrome were often also lumped together with ‘traditional’ nerds and mocked as such. While now a nerd is seen as someone who is perhaps a bit obsessed with science fiction or fantasy, at the time it was a common pejorative for people who struggled socially. Stereotypically, a nerd would have glasses and be buck-toothed, despite neither of these features being at all related to comic books or autism.

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markedly Report

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New Nemo
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Blimey, this is a small and anxious one. Good to see her for a bit but she's getting snappy so we'll leave her alone now."

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But slowly and surely, topics once seen as purely for nerds started to gain mainstream appeal. Comic book movies now dominate the box office for over a decade, while almost all young people and many adults play video games from time to time. Nerds also found allies among celebrities who sometimes would reveal ‘geeky’ hobbies during interviews. After all, if Vin Diesel plays Dungeons and Dragons, maybe it’s not such a ‘lame’ hobby after all.

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Stardust she/her
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only learn better if I’m able to attach personalities to what I’m learning. I’ve been able to do well in math and physics because of each formula’s unique personality. Able to learn chemistry by attaching personalities to the elements and same with bio. I start reaching my limitations when it comes to languages because the rules don’t match with anyone’s personality at all

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The changing economic landscape also had a part to play. Previously, the wealthiest business people were titans of industry of finance gurus. Now tech companies dominate, and these are often founded and operated by people who fall into the more traditional category of geek or nerd. Being very smart with computers is now a common pathway to success and many self-proclaimed nerds ware their hobbies as a symbol of pride.

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The Mother of All Nerds Report

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Lakota Wolf
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As the owner of a dog named Stilgar, I approve of any and all funny memes about my absolute favorite book (and the pretty-decent 2021 movie adaptation).

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The Mother of All Nerds Report

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Nupraptor
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

tbf, I would have been impressed if the tigers in Tomb Raider looked like this.

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The Mother of All Nerds Report

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Bittersweetie
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom (84) scribbles with a Sharpie on what she calls the "tops" of all her USBs

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Cerise Hood
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Best trope is very tired man has to take care of adorable child. Case in point: Aizawa and Eri, Mandalorian and baby Yoda, Logan and Laura.

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The Mother of All Nerds Report

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TotallyNOTaFox
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Proffesor Dumbledore, your bird sends me to get food AGAIN" - "Good Harry, I'll have two number 9s, a number 9 large, a number 6 with extra dip, a number 7, two number 45s, one with cheese, and a large soda"

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The Mother of All Nerds Report

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Hotdogking
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never knew it was possible to both relate to and feel attacked by the same post at the same time. So both thank you and curse you

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The Mother of All Nerds Report

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