learn english

  MAIN MENU

  HOME
  English Article
  English Joke
  English Game
  English Quiz
  English Grammar
  English Conversation
  English Word Origin
  English Idiom
  Dictionary
  Contact Us
  Link Exchange
  Advertise with Us


History of Nerd


The history of the word Nerd is quite interesting.

In the past, the word nerd was spelled Knurd (same pronunciation but different spelling) before changing to the current spelling over time.

If we would carefully notice the word Knurd is a backward spelling of the word Drunk.

As we know, the word drunk is used to call people who like to go out for the parties and drink a lot of alcohol.

Therefore, they use the Knurd (backward of Drunk) to call people who have totally different life style from the Drunk. The nerd doesn't like to go out for a party and doesn't drink alcohol.

Previously, it was just a teasing word created from the student in America but it somehow became incredibly popular in a short period of time.

Today, nerd is no longer a teasing word after the advent of Bill Gates. Who doesn't want to be a nerd?

Learning Part

The author plays with the word "berg"

Tease = To make fun of someone

Somehow = Happen in unspecify way

Advent = The coming of something very important

Some sources from http://www.thefreedictionary.com

Back to the top | Next History | Back to History Corner

HOME | English Jokes | English Article | English History | English Idiom | Dictionary
English Conversation | English Grammar | English Game | English Quiz | Contact Us

 

  Word Puzzle Game
  Laughing Journey
  Word History Journey
  Quiz Quiz Quiz
  Find Friends Online
  Conversation lesson
  Technical Terms

  Translation Service
  Friend Quiz Game
  Partner Links
  ESL Directory
  Add URL