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How Geeks Have Evolved Over Time

When one thinks about a “geek,” one often thinks of someone of a higher level of intelligence, one who is interested in advanced technology. As this infographic shares, the origin of this word can be found in the 1500s from a word meaning fool, and another word from the 1700s from a word affiliated with circus performers who were known to bite the heads off of live chickens. Oh how this word has changed.

As seen in the movie and book October Sky, when the modern term was coined, the spin of a football was more interesting than the spin of a rocket. Those who were more interested in the spin of a rocket were not “popular.” Now, it is a term sought by “popular” “hipsters.” One considers himself or herself a geek if they wear (google “geek selfie”).

What other words to your students use today that had a different meaning just a decade ago? Remember the popular word “radical?” What did it take to be considered radical a century ago? What is the origin of other words we use today?

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