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Is it not intellectual to like something a lot and dive head first into it and learn as much as possible about it? Wanting to learn about something starts off with a spark of passion
Russian turn of the century history buff? yes.
Star Wars fandom universe? no.
i mean, im happy for anyone to enjoy what they enjoy... i just don't think that's what nerd ever meant.
but words change, so whatever... i just remember when i was a nerd for liking math and computer programming...
now i'm not a nerd because i don't wear costumes and such...
Both definitions of nerd have co-existed for decades now. "Nerd" on its own is used as you described, a person devoted to intellectual, academic, or technical pursuits or interests.
However, if you scroll down a bit, you'll see:
So a "something" nerd, e.g. a theatre nerd, Star Wars nerd, or what have you, is distinct from using "nerd" on its own. Both definitions are equally valid and widely-understood.
Linguistic prescriptivism is lame #DescriptivistGang😎
i don't know why you dropped a dictionary link when i didn't disagree with the meaning...
yes, i know how it's used now... it's fine, really... just mildly annoying...
like, the movie "Revenge of the Nerds" had zero to do with this other, newer usage...
which again, is fine, words change in meaning over time...