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Why is gamer now synonymous with nerd?

Why does it seem like the term "nerd" has altered so much over the years? When I was growing up, "nerds" were exactly what the Revenge of the Nerds films showcased - extremely bright, socially awkward, fashion unconscious individuals. Looking at the dictionary, it backs up my definition, as it reads: "a person who behaves awkwardly around other people and usually has unstylish clothes, hair, etc." or "one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits."

So why is it that nowadays people tend to associate nerds with video games? I could understand this in certain contexts. Like with me, for example, I've never lost at the word games Scramble With Friends or Ruzzle (Boggle). In this context, with them being word games and all, I could understand being labeled a nerd. I could also understand this with some strategy-related games. However, I think the term "nerd" is being loosened a bit much when we associate any gamer with it.

Back in the '80s and '90s, some people were specifically labeled as computer nerds. They were masterminds of the computer and seemed to enjoy spending time on there a bit too much. Masterminding a program on a computer is one thing, though. When I think of a person doing that, the word "nerd" definitely springs to mind. Playing a video game for many hours over the course of a day doesn't shout "nerd" to me like the before-mentioned scenario. It's not like when I was growing up and playing games like 10-Yard Fight and Double Dribble on the Nintendo, I got labeled a nerd. When I hear people make this loose association, the following conversation comes to mind:

Christine Grown: "So, where's your boyfriend at?"

Barb Mature: "He's back at the house playing Mortal Kombat. What a nerd, right?"

Christine: "Seriously? Mortal Kombat?"

Barb: "Yeah, I know! Uber-nerd right there!"

Christine: "Is he any good?"

Barb: "Not really, but he and the guys seem to really enjoy it. They're such nerds!"

Christine: "So, your boyfriend's not any good at the game - a fighting game no less - and this makes him a nerd?"

Barb: "Well, yeah!"

Christine: "Okay then..."

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerd
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