The word "geek" is thought to come from the German word geck which refers to a fool. The modern definition of "geek" typically is a slang term for a person who is socially awkward or has excessive interest in technology. From the 18th century through the early 20th century, however, "geek" was a term that referred to performers in circus acts. For example, traveling circuses in Austro-Hungary would use the word "geek" in their advertisements to describe performers who bit off the heads of live animals. The word was thought to have become popular in the US after the release of Nightmare Alley, a 1947 book about a sideshow performer.
More about the history of slang words:
- The word “nerd” first appeared in the 1950 children’s book If I Ran a Zoo by Dr. Seuss.
- “Weirdo” originally was a term that meant "supernatural," but it developed over time to become a slang word for a strange person.
- There are no conclusive references for the origin of the term "dweeb," another slang term to describe an unpopular or socially awkward person.