What is Nerdic?

Nerdic is the language of the technologically advanced or aware, and was so named by the European company Pixmania, which has compiled a list of new terms that represent nerdic speak. Other terms for nerdic could include geek speak or tech. Most of the words in this language are new, some so new that classic dictionaries can’t keep up with their emergence. They’re often directly associated with computer or technological applications that have been developed recently, and many of the words are acronyms.

You’ll find nerdic inserted into basic English. A term like rick rolling is very specific. It means you clicked on a link that took you to a dummy site playing Rick Astley’s One Hit Wonder Song “Never Gonna Give You Up.” For some reason, since April of 2008, the practice of rick rolling has become extremely popular, and as a practical joke, people may be directed to specific links that purport to be something very different and potentially much more serious than hearing Astley belt out this 1980s tune.

Other types of nerdic refer to new technological developments. For instance, those versed in nerdic may talk about the glory of Wimax, a means to bring wireless Internet connectivity to a whole city or a large suburban area. Alternately, you may hear the term mashup frequently, which blends several applications or features, often from different websites or programs, to create interesting widgets or new applications that have greater functionality.

UGC is huge in nerdic, a part of the Web 2.0 (another geek speak term) movement. UGC refers to user-generated content, a major component of increasing user participation on Internet sites. WiseGEEK, for instance, uses UGC by allowing users to comment on and discuss articles of interest. Another fun term is egosurfing, the practice of looking up your own name on the Internet.

Some people call nerdic a true language, while others call it pidgin, or simply additions to an existing language. Just as the language of tech or geek speak fluctuates greatly, many predict this new language won’t really set terms in place if the technologies they describe go out of style. Who spends a lot of time saying VHS anymore? Will rick rolling become a thing of the past when everyone has been rick rolled?

On the other hand, it can be worthwhile to learn some of the terms if you spend much time on the Internet, especially if you’re looking up any information that has to do with technical terms. You may quickly find yourself over your head or needing to ask questions if you don’t possess a basic grasp of tech speak.