Definition of nerdy

The word "nerdy" has its origins in the 1950s in the United States. The term is believed to have emerged from the slang phrase "nerd," which was initially used to describe someone who was socially awkward, introverted, and often bookish or intellectual. The word "nerd" is thought to have originated from the name of the Main Character in the 1950 American film "The Lazy Specialist," Norman "Nerd" Nelson. Nelson was a genius but awkward character who wore horn-rimmed glasses and was often socially isolated. The term "nerd" was likely used to describe people who were similar to Nelson, namely, those who were intelligent but didn't fit the mold of traditional social norms. Over time, the term evolved to take on a more positive connotation, particularly with the rise of the "nerd culture" movement in the 1980s and 1990s.