In this day and age, being a nerd is not such a bad thing. After all, the nerds of today are rich, very, very rich. Look at Mark Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, and Larry Page. Even Urban Dictionary defines a nerd as, “The person you will one day call boss.”
Being called a nerd used to be a derogatory term, but nerds are now the new rock stars of our society. Every kid who codes wants to be the next Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, or Sergey Brin.
There is nothing wrong with having the highest IQ within your crew and having your act together in life. The new cool nerds are the full package deal—smart, with great style, confidence from being a smarty pants—and they’re socially accepted.
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Nerds are known to be obsessive about their area of interest and will happily talk your ear off about their favourite subject matter whether that is the game Terraria or marine biology. They take pride in their expertise, and they continue to learn obsessively about their subject matter even if others think they’re geeky.
If someone calls you a nerd, smile and remember it is not at all a bad thing. Use one of our fun comebacks.
Vote for the best comeback when you’re called a nerd
Definition of a nerd
A “nerd” is someone who knows a lot about a certain subject or niche area and they may be obsessive about the topic. Nerds can have a unique or unusual way of looking at life. People sometimes think of them as shy or awkward in social situations, and they may be very interested in intelligent activities or hobbies that are not usually considered common.
How to deal with being called a nerd
Nerds are usually judged based on the stuff they’re into. And it’s pretty annoying when people judge you. So, here’s the deal on how to handle it when people call you a nerd:
- Don’t be afraid to follow your interests: There’s nothing wrong with being passionate about something. even if it’s not usually thought of as a popular thing. Enjoy your own hobbies and interests, and don’t let what other people say about them change how you feel about them.
- Help people understand: If you hear someone using the word “nerd” in an insulting manner, you should try to explain what it means. Tell them what’s good about being interested in and knowledgeable about a certain subject. No one can teach them better than someone who has been in those shoes.
- Be with people who are open-minded like you: Put yourself around people who share your hobbies and goals.
- Don’t let it bother you: It doesn’t say anything about who you are or how important you are. So, if someone calls you a nerd, try not to take it too badly. Instead, focus on the good things about yourself and your life.
- Keep your confidence up: It’s important to keep your confidence up when dealing with mean words or stereotypes. Have confidence in who you are and the things that make you happy, and don’t let what other people say get you down.
More comebacks you might like
Jennifer Garner felt like a nerd in high school
Jennifer Garner now has millions of fans but she claims when she was young she was pretty nerdy and never part of the in crowd.
I was a real nerd. I wasn’t the popular one, I was one of those girls on the edge of the group. I never wore the right clothes and I had a kind of natural geekiness. I was in the school band and I think that has a bit of a stigma at the age of 13. If you’d asked me what I wanted to be, I would have said something like a librarian.” – Jennifer Garner
Famous people who have been called nerds
A lot of famous people have been called “nerds,” which is usually a compliment because it shows how smart and intelligent they are in a certain subject. Some examples are as follows:
- Bill Gates: The man who helped start Microsoft is frequently referred to as a “nerd”. This is because of his intense interest in new technologies and his profound understanding of computer programming.
- Elon Musk: The main man of SpaceX and Tesla, is known for his enthusiasm for technology and engineering. Elon is frequently described to as a “tech nerd” or a “space nerd.”
- Mark Zuckerberg: People often call the cofounder of Facebook a “nerd” because he is very interested in computer programming and it has made him a billionaire! He also does very well in the area of information technology.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson: The scientist is known for his deep knowledge of astronomy. He is also a science communicator who has a passion for getting scientific information out to the public.
- Stephen Hawking: He was best known for his groundbreaking work in the area of theoretical physics. He was often called a “nerd” because of how smart he was in school and how much he liked science.
Just remember, being called a “nerd” isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually a compliment that recognizes someone’s knowledge and passion for a specific subject.
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Got any comments, questions or tips for dealing with someone who calls you a nerd? Share them in the comments below.
The role of counselling and self-care
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When you are dealing with being called a nerd by others and you find it stressful, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counselor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.
Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.
47 Responses
Just because I have brain cells and you don’t doesn’t make me a nerd.
This….this is just…just…perfect
Ik needs R DA BAD ass
I wear glasses and everybody is roasting me, one dude said “why do you look like a nerd?” so I said back “why do you look like an asshole?” he did not come back to school.
Bruhh nice!!!!!!
That’s a good one
omg people always call me a nerd but i’m just like ”babe i’d rather be a nerd than a dummy” or ”is someone a bit jelly” or ”believe what you want I know i am amazing!”
I have a nerd in my class with good comebacks but lately he’s been a jerk and he has to be so smart ass with me. What should I say to this nerd his names Jeremy
Hi Damon,
Here are a few things that you can say that aren’t too mean. Try these and hopefully he will stop bothering you.
1) Unless your name is Google, stop acting like you know everything.
2) Quit trying to be a smart ass when you are just an ass.
3)Since you know it all, you should know when to shut up.
4) Where’s your off button?
Bryn
“I have this boy in my class he keeps making fun of me and saying i’m nerdy and making fun of my glasses I said some of the comebacks on this website but he won’t shut his trap..! Does anyone have an idea of what I should say or do? if you do, please reply to me. It would be greatly appreciated. thank you..”
I do. Say “maybe you can come back and say that when you learn your alphabet.”
Say
“Oh wow thanks for noticing! It could’ve took you 100 years to know that I’m smarter than you.”
#3 is good…
Wow that is cool I used it on some boys in my year group and they left me alone
this would not work if a bully read these…
You’ve been eating too many Dum-Dums and not enough Smarties
Oh shit! That is too badass. Nice one name sack.
Tell him this:
I know I’m not the nerd here, but I’ve got a fact. Scientist have discovered that around us there are atoms, neutrons, electrons, but they didn’t mention you guys, the morons.
this is hella good lol
Nerd stands for Not Even Remotely Dorky
Ptfff, that’s so epicly bad ass, I’m not even able to use it! Nice job by the way.
More comebacks:
– And it doesn’t take one to see you are just a vulgar.
– Why, thank you! I never knew straight A’s meant I was smart!
– I’d rather be a nerd now than a waiter/ress later!
– And you are just calling me that to make yourself feel better about the fact you are an idiot.
– Being a smart nerd is better than a dumb bully.
– What?! Wow! You’re so smart for finally figuring out how I’m superior to you! Congrats!
I’m a nerd so Im gonna use these!
It better to be a nerd than a bully.
Yep
Just because I can pass my grade and you can’t Doesn’t make me a nerd.
At least I am smarter than a carrot, though, that would be your equivalent to Einstein.
Nerd? So what? As long I’m happy and comfortable, is ok I think.
This girl she hates my tall socks .So she calls me long socks and a nerd .She even insult my books and bag .What should I say to her?
Hi Alexia,
The comebacks below should work if someone insults your appearance:
https://ishouldhavesaid.net/2012/03/youre-so-ugly-more-comebacks/
Since you know it all, you should know when to shut up
You have the rest of your life to be a jerk, why not take today off?
Is there an app I can download to make you go away?
Bryn
Maybe you should say something like
“A nerd is someone who is smart. Call me a nerd all you want I’ll just take as a compliment”
“Did you know Nolan Gould, Naya Rivera, Adam Levine, Jennifer Garner, Charlize Theron, Zac Efron, Natalie Portman, Anna Kendrick, Alison Brie and Vin Diesel were all nerds. So back off”
The best way is to agree/amplify and not get defensive/aggressive. Shrug it off or say your insults in an excessively joking manner.
That really helps Anon, I was looking for smart comebacks but then I’m just being mean back.
Not too long ago, a person in my class called this smart guy a nerd so his roast was “is that what you call a person who smarter than you?”
A perfect comeback.
Yes, indeed
Can someone plz tell me what to tell a friend bc she say that I’m A nerd just bc i watch harry potter plz tell me something to tell her bc she just call me nerd just bc i watch harry potter plz
Say at least Harry Potter Is more popular than you will ever be
Just cause I have good taste in movies does not mean I’m a nerd.
Or
If you don’t like Harry Potter remember that in reverse it is Rettop Yrrah which is total rubbish just like your opinion.
(BTW I love Harry Potter. #Potterhead.
i told my bully that im smarter than him
snap!!
Hey this kid he calls me a nerd and I said ( I am not a nerd I am just smarter than you ) next day I come back I was looking fly they all wanted to go out with me but I said I thought you don’t like nerds
This boy that used to be in my class called me a nerd when I got my new glasses (even though I looked stunning) he wouldn’t stop so I just said” thanks” and he said”wait do you mean that’s supposed to be an insult” and I just said” yes I know but being a nerd is better than being as dumb as you so thanks”
He never spoke to me again
say
just because i have way more brain cells than you do, doesn’t mean i’m a nerd.
I get called a nerd behind my back. Just because I’m smarter than that person. And I’m kinda just the nerd/quiet girl sooo yeah. I’m not sure what to do. I have my two friends (yeah lots of friends) and one is fairly popular and the other is middle range. I just don’t know what to do. Can someone help?? If so thank you, thank you, thank you..
Hey i always get called a nerd but i don’t take it personally. I respond to the person ”babe i’d rather be a nerd than a dummy” or if your too quiet/shy to want to start drama or something, you could always show your fun side. People only say ‘nerd’ when they think someone is smarter than them… Good luck 😀
Just bc people wear glasses doesnt mean that they are a nerd its so frustrating.