Our youngest son is fondly referred to on my other blog as "The Computer Nerd" I am not sure if he is a nerd or a geek so I had to do some research.
The Jargon File said 'Originally, a geek was a carnival performer who bit the heads off chickens. (In early 20th-century Scotland a ‘geek’ was an immature coley, a type of fish.) Before about 1990 usage of this term was rather negative. Earlier versions of this lexicon defined a computer geek as one who eats (computer) bugs for a living — an asocial, pasty-faced monomaniac with all the personality of a cheese grater. This is often still the way geeks are regarded by non-geeks, but as the mainstream culture becomes more dependent on technology and technical skill mainstream attitudes have tended to shift towards grudging respect. Correspondingly, there are now ‘geek pride’ festivals (the implied reference to ‘gay pride’ is not accidental).'
I promise I've never had cause to think No 2 son would bite the head off a chicken. One of the main reasons being he can't stand the sight of blood, another reason I doubt he could run fast enough to catch a chicken and thirdly he would think that unacceptably cruel.
So for the meaning without the chickens - A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy or a person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
As for the word nerd - There are those who credit Dr. Seuss and his book 'If I Ran the Zoo: "And then, just to show them, I'll sail to Ka-Troo And Bring Back an It-Kutch, a Pree,p and a Proo, A Nerkle, a Nerd, and a Seersucker, too!" as the true originator of nerd. Legend has it that the word nerd spread to teenagers who applied the meaning to those downtrodden members of their peers the "square."
They are also regarded as socially inept, single-minded and accomplished in scientific endeavours. The main distinction seems to be that nerds have low levels of personal hygiene and geeks wash. So No 2 son is officially a Geek and will be here after referred to as No. 2 Son. Much easier than keeping up with the jargon.
Why has the subject of No 2 son been raised? Well I am glad you asked. No 2 son has returned to our empty nest, lots of reasons and we are happy to have him home. Unfortuanately he has lots of allergies so I am having a good hard look at what I cook.
All our kids were here for dinner this week and I cooked Roast Lamb and veggies. For dessert we had Banana Caramel Self Saucing Pudding and cream. This is an eggless dessert. I started with No 2 son's recipe and expanded on it. Here it is, you could also substitute gluten free flour and a milk alternative with good results.
Egg Less Banana Caramel Self Saucing pudding.
3 Mashed Bananas
1/2 cup full cream milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup Self Raising flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 1/2 cups boiling water
Grease an 8 cup baking dish.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius
Mix the banana, milk and vanilla, add the sugar and cinnamon
Then add the sifted flour. Mix together until smooth.
Pour into the greased baking dish.
Sprinkle over the brown sugar then carefully pour over the boiling water.
Place into hot oven on a tray and cook until skewer comes out clean, about 45 - 60 minutes depending on your oven.
Best served warm with cream and ice cream.
The nerds and geeks will love it.
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