Today, political correctness is the common buzzword and much of our language is being policed in the name of decency and inclusivity. But is the word ‘nerd’ an abusive one? Is it offensive to call someone a nerd?
In this article, we’re going to talk about the nerd life, how to tell if you are a nerd, and list some of the nerdiest movies and TV shows in history!
Is nerd an abusive word?
For many years ‘nerd’ was a derogatory term used to describe someone who didn’t conform to social norms. It would be aimed at people who are perhaps quieter and more reserved and put their interests before anything else.
Anyone who did well at school was partial to the occasional sci-fi movie, or collected Pokémon cards would instantly be branded a ‘nerd’ and be subject to ridicule and humiliation.
It was a tough time for young nerds growing up – particularly in their school years. However, is it still an abusive word? Does it still hold power over us?
The short answer is no…
In fact, today, the word ‘nerd’ is actually quite empowering. By some crazy turn of fate…it’s now actually ‘cool’ to be a nerd.
Who’d have thought it?
All those wedgies and headlocks. Now, who’s laughing?
As our beloved Tyrion Lannister once said: “Let me give you some advice, bastard. Never forget what you are, the rest of the world will not. Wear it like armour and it can never be used to hurt you.”
The same can be said about the word ‘nerd’. When you embrace who are and take pride in what makes you you, nothing can hurt you.
How do you tell if you’re a nerd?
So, how do you tell if you’re a nerd?
Some people know from the start…others discover their nerdiness much later in life.
The easiest way to tell is by asking yourself the following questions:
- Do you like characters from your favourite books more than you like people?
- Have you always enjoyed pondering the big questions in life?
- Are you fussy with what kind of movies and TV shows you watch?
- Do you love the way books smell?
- Does poor grammer irritate you?
- Do you thrive when playing board games and solving puzzles?
- Are you a big science fiction fan?
- Have you watched The Lord of the Rings at least a dozen times?
- Do you often fantasize about starting your own colony on some distant, faraway planet?
- Was your first crush Ripley from Alien?
- Do you play computer games religiously?
- Do you love comics and/or anime?
- Are you an avid Official Geek Merch collector?
If you’ve said yes to even two or three of the above, then congratulations…you’re a nerd!
What are the nerdiest movies?
Another great way to determine whether or not someone is a ‘nerd’, is by the movies and TV shows that they watch.
If someone says: “I don’t like movies about space and stuff,” or “I hate anything with swords and magic spells,” then run a mile! This person is boring.
If, however, someone loves any of the following ‘nerdiest’ movies, then hold them close. They are your people:
- Back to the Future
- Alien
- Indiana Jones
- Jurassic Park
- Harry Potter
- Iron Man (or any Marvel movies for that matter).
- The Terminator
- Star Wars
- The Lord of the Rings
- The Hobbit
- The Matrix
- The Dark Knight (or any DV movie for that matter).
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Dune
- The Goonies
- Ghostbusters
- Mad Max
- Transformers
- Serenity
- Tron
- Ready Player One
- Starship Troopers
- Spaceballs
- Memento
- 300
- Sin City
- V for Vendetta
- Dawn of the Dead
- Evil Dead
- 28 Days Later
- Battle Royale
- 12 Monkeys
- The Hunger Games
- Se7en
- Shaun of the Dead
- The Big Lebowski
- True Romance
- Robocop
- Demolition Man
- Ghost in the Shell
- Blade Runner
- Karate Kid
- Predator
- Blade
- Wall-E
- The Godfather
- Constantine
- Mars Attacks
- Planet of the Apes
- Labyrinth
- Gremlins
- Monty Python
- Total Recall
- Conan the Barbarian
- Minority Report
- Kickass
- The Crow
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Avatar
- The 40-Year-Old Virgin
In truth, there are hundreds and hundreds of essential ‘nerdy’ movies and there aren’t enough hours in the day to name them all. In any case, if you’ve ticked off most of these then you are almost certainly a nerd. If not, you’ve got some catching up to do!
What are the nerdiest TV shows?
Now for some cracking ‘nerdy’ TV shows:
- Star Trek
- West World
- X-Files
- Firefly
- Altered Carbon
- Doctor Who
- Stargate SG-1
- The Boys
- Supernatural
- Game of Thrones
- Lost
- Rick and Morty
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- The Witcher
- Stranger Things
- The Mandalorian
- Silicon Valley
- The Orville
- What We Do in the Shadows
- The IT Crowd
- Sherlock
- Community
- Arrested Development
- Ozark
- Ugly Betty
- Parks and Recreation
- The Office
- Heroes
- That 70’s Show
- 24
- Scrubs
- The Simpsons
- Family Guy
- Arrow
- See
- Mythic Quest
- The Sons of Anarchy
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- The Rings of Power
- Master of None
- The Expanse
- Orphan Black
- The Man in the High Castle
- Fringe
- The Punisher
- The Big Bang Theory
- Vikings
- Black Mirror
- Mr. Robot
- Wilfred
- Bob’s Burgers
- Kingdom
- Dark
- Money Heist
- Squid Games
- The 100
- Cobra Kai
- Arcane
Again, we could go on and on as there are plenty of golden, nerdy TV shows out there – with many exciting projects underway (see Fallout / The Last of Us).
In any case, these should give you enough to tuck into if you are craving a nerdy, binge-worthy fix!
Conclusion
Let’s recap:
- ‘Nerd’ was once used as a derogatory term but now the tables have finally turned! We nerds wear it like armour!
- If you have to ask, you’re
probablydefinitely a nerd. - As any honest nerd will agree, it’s practically impossible to settle on a few top ‘nerdiest’ movies and TV shows, so we decided to share dozens instead!
