ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nerdy

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈnɝdi// UK //nˈɜːdi// nerdy Informal Vulgar

adj. describing someone who is very interested in technical subjects, computers, or books. Often used for people who are smart but might be a bit awkward in social situations.

adj. characterised by an intense focus on intellectual, technical, or niche pursuits, often to the exclusion of social conventionality. Frequently used to describe individuals or interests perceived as unfashionable or overly academic.


SIMPLE

He wears nerdy glasses and loves talking about space.

CONTEXTUAL

She spent the entire weekend at a nerdy convention for fans of vintage board games.

COMPLEX

The shift in tech culture has transformed what was once a nerdy obsession with coding into a highly respected and lucrative professional path.

Origin

From nerd + -y.

Usage

Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'look'. While historically an insult, it is now frequently used as a term of endearment or self-identification.

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