The Geek Quotient
Nov 27th 2007
Sabrina JeffriesOn Writing!
So, I was watching The Big Bang Theory, a hilarious new sitcom about four super-intelligent grad students who hang out and talk geek together, and it occurred to me that I find almost all of them sexy, including Sheldon, the most geeky. You know why? I have a thing for nerds. I’m not sure why, but plenty of the guys I dated fell into that category: a physics Ph.D., a couple of computer programmers, a math whiz … I find the geek tres chic. One guy I dated was valedictorian, the top scorer in our Math Analysis class, a clarinet-player … and built like a male model. A geek magnifique, if you will.
I like nerds in fiction, too—I loved every one of the guys in Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Hot Shot, about the computer industry. I thoroughly enjoyed Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Nerd Gone Wild. And nobody does historical geeks better than Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz), who has a touch of the lovable nerd in just about all her heroes.
Still, I do draw the line somewhere. Yes, I find it sexy when guys lapse into techno-speak or map the constellations. I don’t even mind geeks who alphabetize their CD collections (ahem, me, ahem) and play computer games (ahem, me, ahem). But it IS possible to cross from geek territory into dork hell, and dorks aren’t sexy. I once dated a guy who kept a card with punch lines in his wallet to remind him of the jokes he wanted to tell. THAT’s a dork.
What about you? Are you fond of geeks in real life? Literature? Romance novels? What turns a geek into a dork for you? And if you prefer the beefy, thinks-with-his-muscles sort of guy, what would it take for you to consider a nerd sexy? (Inquiring geeks want to know.)
49 Comments »
49 Responses to “The Geek Quotient”
Lisa H on 27 Nov 2007 at 7:46 am #
Smart men are always sexy, but they have to at least be aware of what is going on in the “real world” Like, I don’t think I could love a man that wears sweatpants with elastic around the ankles. That went out in the 80’s.
I like intelligent and witty men, they don’t have to be drop dead gorgeous or muscle bound, but it doesn’t hurt!
One great aspect of an intelligent guy is that he is capable of learning!
cail on 27 Nov 2007 at 7:58 am #
ooo, the ongoing dork/geek/nerd/dweeb debate! My old coworkers and I had a very long discussion about what the difference was between the bunch. The end result is that you can be a ___ geek, but the rest are mostly all encompassing. We, my friends, are romance novel geeks.
That being said, I find smart guys to be attractive, but not so much the extremely socially awkward.
Have you guys ever watched the amazing reality show Beauty and the Geek? Amazing!
KariE on 27 Nov 2007 at 8:07 am #
Oh I’m a geek liker. I think becuase I know there is more under the skin that what is showing makes them more desireable. You know, like brains. I have not read Nerd Gone Wild but I have read Talk Nerdy to Me and The Nerd Who Loved Me by Vicki Lewis Thompson and REALLY liked them. (Still sitting on my shelf) I love reading about geeks in romance novels because authors bring to focus all of the insecureities that “nerds” have, and a lot mimic some of my own growing up. Birds of a feather? Who knows. haha
Overconfidence and TMI turns a geek to a dork for me.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2007 at 8:21 am #
I have to like geeks - I am one, am married to one and my oldest child is definitely one. Youngest is a minor one, but she considers that her dark side. How sad.
I love nerdy geeks in romance. My favorite of all time is still Ian Thorton in Judith McNaught’s ALMOST HEAVEN. When he adds up that column of figures in his mind, my heart goes pitter pat. It’s the math teacher in me, LOL. Also there was Matt in McNaught’s PARADISE. There’s a scene where he and Meredith are sitting by the fire working and he puts on these reading glasses - oh, sexy!
I don’t mind socially awkward geeks, cause I was one. I don’t like the mean geeks - the sactimoniously superior ones that think because they’re smart the rest of the world is dumb. Somebody needs to smack them with their slide rule.
SLIDE RULE - for you younger set, this was an analytical device that occured slightly later than the abacus and way before you were born. Before my time, actually - really!
Sabrina Jeffries on 27 Nov 2007 at 8:52 am #
Kari and Karen, I think you’ve definitely hit on something. Geekiness combined with too much arrogance or meanness is unappealing. I don’t mind slightly socially awkward or even QUITE socially awkward, as long as they have some self-confidence.
And Karen, I almost included Ian Thornton. That book and Lord Of Scoundrels (oddly enough, two vastly different heroes) are my all-time favorite historical romances. The quick reading and math thing just make me swoon.
Sabrina Jeffries on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:04 am #
How much does clothing play a factor for you? It’s not that important for me, unless he’s got the pants pulled up to his chin. And there seem to be categories of geek, as Cail says: World of Warfare-playing geek, silde-rule geek, computer geek. Lots of varieties. I mean, even on the show, Leonard is far more socially aware than Sheldon and a lot more insecure. He’s so adorable.
Sonja Foust on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:07 am #
I LOVE that show. Glad I’m not the only one who gets all the jokes. Hee. I think it makes me a geek just that I like the show.
I do like a little geek in my guy. Husband is a super smart computer whiz. I think it’s that smart is sexy though. I don’t know why it’s ok for girls to be beautiful and dumb when it’s definitely NOT ok for guys to be beautiful and dumb… I mean, unless you’re just going to look at them. But looking gets boring after a while.
DebMarlowe on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:07 am #
I like geeks just fine. Hey, want to dress up like Boba Fett and hang at a Star Wars con? Okey, dokey, just don’t ask me to wear the Princess Leia slave outfit! Those guys have a passion for something–far preferable to some of the perfectly “normal” but incredibly dull men I’ve run into. Give me a guy with a zest for life.
I like ‘characters’. People with humor and animation and interests. But arrogant and superior? Ugh. The kiss of death. I’ll be over here with the clone troopers.
Lisa H on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:24 am #
LOL Karen Rose. You are no geek, I think you are very cool!
Sabrina,
Clothes play a bit of a factor for me. I just couldn’t get aroused for a man dressed like Steve Urkle.
Christian Dodd has a great historical about an undercover “spy” who dresses like a dandy. “My Fair Temptress” He is so hot and charming, I could overlook his bright orange jacket, chartruse pants and white boots!
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:36 am #
Oh, thank you, Lisa H
But I am a geek - and proud of it. To be a cool geek, now I consider that success!
I have to read Dodd’s TEMPTRESS. I like stories like that. I love the SCARLET PIMPERNEL, the version with Anthony Andrews. “Sink me.” He’s a fop (l guess that’s kind of like a fashion geek), but underneath, he’s brave and that’s sexy. I’ll have to dig that film out of my collection.
As for clothes -again, with the clothing, it depends on the personality. I went to school with lots of badly dressed geeks with high-waisted high-waters. And pocket protectors. And their TI-70’s on their belt. THe ones that wore their high waters and pocket protectors like a badge of honor because THEY were the smartest - those bothered me.
But in the romance arena, I doubt Ian Thornton would have been as sexy had he not filled out his tux in ALL the right places. (IF you know what I mean!)
KariE on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:47 am #
“How much does clothing play a factor for you?”
Slightly, but not much. I can handle corduroy, plaid and an occasional gingham in small amounts. I think a lot of it is how it is worn. A corduroy sport coat with a pair of jeans, a plaid shirt with a pair of jeans or a gingham …… ok so maybe no gingham.
SuzyQ on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:54 am #
I work with a bunch of computer geeks, so it’s just normal for me. However, I do draw the line on the pocket protectors.
And I can handle a guy quoting movie scenes, but when they start quoting video games???? That’s when they cross over to dorkdom.
claudia dain on 27 Nov 2007 at 10:32 am #
Uh-oh. I don’t think any of those guys described are geeks! What does that say about me?!
Guys who are good at stuff, smart, knowledgeable, passionate about a subject…why is that geeky? Does it have to be in science or math fields, is that what makes it geek-worthy?
Clothing is not much of an issue for me. Clothes: they come off, they go on. I’ll dress him the way I want him anyway. *G*
Stacy ~ on 27 Nov 2007 at 11:32 am #
I think a geek is more someone who is so caught up in their field that they are rather unaware of what’s going on around them. I think it’s sexy to be passionate about something, whether it’s computers or cars or painting, and a smart man is definitely sexy. I imagine a geek as someone a bit absent-minded, someone who is unaware that they are sexy, yet once a woman has captured his attention, he focuses completely on her. Kinda like in “Revenge of the Nerds”, when the geek is the one that ends up pleasuring the woman because he knows what it takes, and he applies himself to make sure she’s enjoying it. Now while I didn’t find the nerd in the movie to be sexy, the concept certainly is
zambonigirl on 27 Nov 2007 at 11:37 am #
Oh, yeah, totally. The geekier and smarter, the better. The Ex Future Mr. Z was (is) a school teacher.
Well, I’ve mentioned my Star Trek/Heroes/Star Wars obsessions before. I’m totally into geeks. My friend got me the book “My Nerdy Valentine” last year for VD, and I thought it was wonderful. Geeks are totally the best.
I think Weird Al said it best:
I’m nerdy in the extreme
Im Whiter than sour cream
I was in A/V club and glee club
And even the chess team
Only question I ever thought was hard was
“Do I like Kirk or do I like Picard?”
Spend every weekend at the Renaissance Faire
Got my name on my underwear
They see me strollin’, they laughin’
And rollin’ their eyes cause I’m so
White and nerdy
amy1242 on 27 Nov 2007 at 11:43 am #
I have a girlfriend who has had extensive experience with many different types of men. We’ve discussed her experiences in detail more than once, over a bottle or two of wine, the discussion generally ending with us in gales of laughter. She’s dated the spectrum, and her conclusions were; athletic jock types are interested in mostly themselves. Yes their bodies are great, but in the sack, oh so deficiant, as they want to please themselves only. Nerds/geeks are interesting but kind of fumble around in bed, so she said she ends up being the instructor, which sucks for her. She said that the musicians were the most romantic and saticefying, but were also night owls and she could never keep up with their schedule, except for weekends. After these discussions, I’m so happy to be married to someone I’ve been able to train in some aspects and learn from in others. My dh is right in between the jock-nerd scale. His mathematical ability floors me!
amy1242 on 27 Nov 2007 at 11:45 am #
As far as characters in books go…as long as they aren’t weenies, I’m good with them.
Sherri Erwin on 27 Nov 2007 at 12:15 pm #
One of my best friends had a geek fetish, but she turned around and married a Coast Guard helicopter pilot. (cool job, but he is still sort of geeky). I never went for the geeks, but I ended up marrying a techie type, computer whiz turned management. I think intelligence is sexy. Geekiness? Not always. But sometimes. SuzyQ, I’m with you– let’s draw the line at pocket protectors, LOL!
Nicole Jordan on 27 Nov 2007 at 12:32 pm #
I love geeks in real life. And they can make great secondary characters, IMO. But I much prefer alpha male romance heroes, intelligent but macho. Geeks need not apply, lol.
I can think of a few geek heroes that I’ve fallen in love with, however, mainly in traditional Regencies. One was by Elizabeth Mansfield and several by Carla Kelly. I do love Kelly’s heroes, even though there’s usually nothing macho about them.
claudia dain on 27 Nov 2007 at 1:21 pm #
Okay, here’s a question: could a vampire be a geek? I’m wondering if the paranormal romances have their share of geek heroes, or does that not compute?
And another question: does loving Weird Al make you a geek? Cause if so, I am one!
colinfirthfan on 27 Nov 2007 at 1:47 pm #
Well I suppose Vishous is a geek but a very very hot one!
I work in the computer industry and I refuse to think of myself as a geek!!
zambonigirl on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:00 pm #
Here’s an exception: Luke Skywalker was a major geek. He liked shooting wamp rats back home that were only 12 Parsecs wide, he liked working on his robots and constructed his own light saber after Darth hacked his hand off. He was a total nerd. The only reason Princess Leia kissed him was to make Han jealous, and then we find out that she’s his sister so it RE-HEALLY doesn’t count. He was a geek. He was completely utterly and totally unattractive, though I guess he was kind of cute in a way. Just not in any way that counted.
Contrast Han Solo-a pirate. Totally and completely HOT. This is one instance where geeks do not win. Too bad, so sad for Luke. Geeks everywhere must mourn.
colinfirthfan on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:14 pm #
ZGirl - I thought Luke was cute! Han was way out of his league though. Very very hot and yummy!
colinfirthfan on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:15 pm #
ZGirl - I thought Luke was cute! Han was way out of his league though. Very very hot and yummy!
Indiana Jones was a geek and very hot. He was an archaeologist and a professor at some university so I guess he was an ADVENTEROUS GEEK!
zambonigirl on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:23 pm #
Yes, CFFan! The archaeology vibe certainly helped Picard pick up a few babes and we all know that it helped Indie bag just about every female everywhere! Who needs a golden idol when Indiana is around?
Suzanne Enoch on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:24 pm #
Ah, zambonigirl, thank you for bringing in Star Wars. I have to say that while I agree that Luke is a geek, he does end up re-founding the Jedi, and he can do things with his mind. *g*
Would MacGyver be classified as a geek? After all, he could make an airplane out of a paperclip and duct tape. I LOVED MacGyver.
And Daniel Jackson in Stargate. The sexy archeologist geek thing. Yep, he and Indy, colinfirthfan.
Sabrina Jeffries on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:47 pm #
Ooh, Claudia and zambonigirl, Weird Al is the sexiest geek ever! I saw a biopic of him recently, and he sounded like such a nice guy, yet very smart and talented. Hubby and I have enjoyed his stuff for years.
Amy, I don’t know about the sex thing. My geeks ran the gamut from good to bad, so I’m not sure you can generalize. And some geeks study it, so they actually do better than you’d think.
Sabrina Jeffries on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:48 pm #
I always thought Luke was cute, myself.
colinfirthfan on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:50 pm #
Can we classify Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice as an 19th century Geek?
mmmmmmmm!!
KariE on 27 Nov 2007 at 2:55 pm #
“Indiana Jones was a geek and very hot. He was an archaeologist and a professor at some university so I guess he was an ADVENTEROUS GEEK!”
I second this!!!!!!
Very HOT!
Lisa H on 27 Nov 2007 at 3:00 pm #
Okay, I might be in the minority here, but for those who think Weird Al is hot, might I direct you to Sunday’s FROs? LOL
Indiana Jones was a very hot geek, oh yes!
Karen Hawkins on 27 Nov 2007 at 3:25 pm #
Hmmm. colinfirthfan, that’s a VERY interesting observation. And I think you might be onto something there!
I looove indiana Jones geekdoms. Give me a man who can think AND make me laugh, and I’m like buttah!
cail on 27 Nov 2007 at 3:35 pm #
my favorite of the geeks in romance novels is Mac in Nora Robert’s Heaven and Earth.
Yummy.
zambonigirl on 27 Nov 2007 at 4:24 pm #
Yay, Mac Guyver! He could get out of any situation with a pair of tube socks and a bendy straw. Useful *and* pretty. Can’t ask for much more than that. Did you guys all see that credit card commercial with him in it? And there was an epsiode of SG-1 where it was suggested that they “Mac Guyver” something. Richard Dean Anderson just raised an eyebrow ever so elegantly and took it in stride. It was fab.
Daniel Jackson is also definitely a geek with hunkitude. But he keeps pining after his stupid wife, so he’s sort of a lost cause.
How about the CSI guys? Warrick, Nick and Greg. Woot!
Mia Rose on 27 Nov 2007 at 4:33 pm #
Okay, I definitely have to agree with Indiana Jones… who can resist a get-his-hands-dirty-save-your-life geek?? Not to mention he’s pretty handy with a whip and likes to travel.
And of course the CSI guys! Lab geeks that catch bad guys and carry a gun… undeniably hot.
But what about a Matthew Perry silly kind of geek. I LOVE that, it’s my weakness!
KariE on 27 Nov 2007 at 4:37 pm #
So, if we’re kindda talking cute geeks, what about the guy that played in National Treasure? You know, Nicolas Cage’s side kick. I thought he was a super cute geek. Still do.
claudia dain on 27 Nov 2007 at 4:44 pm #
Oh, love the cute geek sidekick in Nat’l Treasure. What a doll; he got the best lines. I feel the same adorable vibe coming from Steve Zahn. No matter what part he’s playing, he gets to me. Though isn’t he in that prisoner of war movie out now? I wonder if I’d love him covered in grime and fighting for his life.
KariE on 27 Nov 2007 at 5:00 pm #
Steve Zahn hahaha He was awesome in Saving Silverman. I laughed long and hard at him. Oh and Happy, Texas. haha funny!!!
colinfirthfan on 27 Nov 2007 at 5:04 pm #
Oooh I remember the sidekick. Cute! Hope he is in the sequel.
KariE on 27 Nov 2007 at 5:08 pm #
Imdb says he is. I had to find out. tee hee
Marie on 27 Nov 2007 at 5:51 pm #
I love smart men. But they have to be strong as well. More than anything in a man I want a protector. If they are a wimp how are they going to protect me?
Clothes. I’m an Okie give me a man in a pair of jeans, boots, black tuxedo jacket and you will have one very happy girl on your hands.
Sabrina Jeffries on 27 Nov 2007 at 6:43 pm #
Marie, is that an Okie thing, jeans, boots, black jacket? Sounds cool.
Sabrina Jeffries on 27 Nov 2007 at 6:46 pm #
I agree about the wimp thing, but my requirements for strength are pretty average. The normal guy strength is fine with me. It’s whether they’re willing to use it that matters to me. I love that my hubby, Mr. Sensible Loner, nonetheless darted out in the street to pull a woman out of the way of a car once. That heroic thing is SO sexy.
Karen Rose on 27 Nov 2007 at 7:24 pm #
I have to second the Daniel Jackson (Stargate)nomination. Intergalactic BABE. Especially after the first season when he bulked up. A man who digs up old stuff, can speak a million languages, and can handle a Go’uld staff… What more can you want in a geek babe?
I cried buckets when he “died.”
Of course, Jack O’Neill was very hot in an old guy kind of way.
zambonigirl on 27 Nov 2007 at 7:33 pm #
I don’t think a man necessarily has to be big and burly to be a hero or “heroish”. Look at Peter Petrelli in the show “Heroes”. He’s a stringbean that could rival Luke Skywalker in whiny emo-ness, but dang if he ain’t strong and capable. I thought he was bad ass when he picked up Simone’s lifeless body in Season 1, but a few weeks ago when he carried Nathan’s equally lifeless body into the ER, I about melted. Milo Ventimiglia is definitely starting to inch his way up the Top 100 list of celebrities I go gaga for.
Aspen on 27 Nov 2007 at 8:19 pm #
Ever hear of “Bill Nye the Science Guy?” A very corny educational show. He wad/is NOT HOT. Ughhh.
Anyway, I do love nerds, ahem attractive nerds.
I loved a boy genius once. Sigh… He had brains and looks a delectable combination.
LOL
Aspen on 27 Nov 2007 at 8:27 pm #
Karen Rose just read your response and TOTALLY agree. When Ian (Almost Heaven) adds up the figures I sigh. And his miraculous reading capabilities! That scene is one of the sexiest I have ever read. WIERD!
Roarke (In death…) taught himself to read by reading Whitman (I think)
Krentz’s Trust Me- really nerdy guy. The alpha nerd if you will. Smart but completely dense when it comes to woman…Sexy
Santa on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:36 pm #
Alton Brown is HAWT! I could listen to him talk about the chemical reactions of creme brulee for hours.
And, you’re right, the guys on ‘Big Bang Theory’ are hot. There’s something about Sheldon. Maybe it’s his Adam’s apple or his whip cord wit that matches his whip cord bod. Hey, those geeky plaids don’t hide much!
Brandy on 28 Nov 2007 at 11:19 pm #
Nerds hold a special place in my heart as well and I’m a huge fan of Vicki Lewis Thompson’s nerd series. My favorites are athletic nerds, yummy.