The term "road geek"

[bugo]

Does anyone else hate this term?  I can't stand it.  I grew up in the '80s, when the term "geek" was considered an epithet, and to me it will always carry negative connotations.  I much prefer "road enthusiast," "Roads Scholar," or even "roadfan."  I guess I just don't understand somebody self-identifying as a "geek," "nerd," "dweeb," or "spazz."

Is anyone with me on this?

[agentsteel53]

reminds me of the time F'n B (Alex and Andy know whom I'm talking about!) flipped out when I called him that. 

[Alps]

I refer to road enthusiasts, myself.  It's easier to tell other people about it with that term.

[Bryant5493]

Either works for me: roadgeek or road enthusiast. But, I'm a geek, and proud of it.


Be well,

Bryant

[deathtopumpkins]

I take pride in being a roadgeek too. Most definitely not ashamed to call my self that.

[DanTheMan414]

I usually don't care one way or the other, but I know a fair number of people who are fairly particular.  For that reason, I generally use the term "roads enthusiast" instead of "roadgeek" when I'm writing something, or in conversation.

[austrini]

Road Enthusiast has too many syllables. However, I dont think i've ever actually said the word "roadgeek" out loud.

[74/171FAN]

For me its just easier to say "roadgeek" than enthusiast.  I mean since I'm in band I've been called a "bandgeek" anyhow.

[US71]

I prefer "Road Scholar" since I do, in a way, study roads. 

[hbelkins]

I prefer "Road Scholar" since I do, in a way, study roads. 

In other words, you're a viatologist!!!!! :-p

[Chris]

Roadologist 

I have no problem with the term "roadgeek", although I can understand when people feel it's nerdy. However, roadgeek is probably the most well known term, and covers it pretty good.

[US71]

I prefer "Road Scholar" since I do, in a way, study roads. 

In other words, you're a viatologist!!!!! :-p

No, I'm not Carl. 

[SSOWorld]

everyone has their preferences - some suck - some are great   I don't mind the term roadgeek.

[Urban Prairie Schooner]

In my day and place, if you were known as a "geek", you were risking weekly physical assaults and social isolation. So for one, I cannot bear to be defined by that term. Call me a roads scholar (pun intended), viatologist, whatever, anything but "geek."

[Sykotyk]

Times change. Geek isn't a 'four letter word' anymore.

Sykotyk

[bugo]

Times change. Geek isn't a 'four letter word' anymore.

Sykotyk

But old perceptions die hard.  For example, despite its now-common use by rappers, the N-word is still offensive. 

[Darkchylde]

"Don't worry, I'm taking it back." - Randall, Clerks 2

I actually prefer the term "roadgeek" over the other alternatives. I don't mind being called a geek at all.

[J N Winkler]

A geek is a circus performer who specializes in eating things other people would find disgusting--things like snakes, bugs, etc.  The term roadgeek is, therefore, inherently denormalizing (if not denigrating) and also suggests that the interest defines who you are, to the exclusion of other qualities.  I understand the arguments in favor of reclaiming it in much the same way rappers have claimed the N-word and elements of the gay community have reclaimed the Q-word, but that is not a project I am personally interested in.  Roads enthusiast is otiose but, I think, more accurately descriptive of the fact that roads are one interest out of many for most people involved in this hobby.

[deathtopumpkins]

Where on earth do you get that definition of geek from?  Never heard that one before.

[Alex]

Honestly I rarely use the term "roadgeek". I often refer to myself and others as just "road guys" or say "yah, they are also into roads too". My one roomate classified me as a "road junkie".

When I head out on a trip, I use JT Legg's term of "roadding". It kind of sums up what I am doing (driving just to check out roads and maybe photograph). Its not really a road trip in the common thinking, so roadding covers it.

[FLRoads]

Even though I refer to myself as "flaroadgeek", I really don't use the term "road geek" that often. I started using it years ago only because I wanted a road related username for AIM and that was the first one I could think of. I never really thought about the connotations of the term. When I talk to others about my hobby, I tell them that I am into roads, that I am a "road enthusiast" or that I am a "road guy" as others have mentioned.

[J N Winkler]

Where on earth do you get that definition of geek from?  Never heard that one before.

It is the traditional definition.

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

[mightyace]

I don't mind the term geek.

I'm a computer programmer/analyst and have been for over 20 years.

And, one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates, is a "geek."

[rawmustard]

I don't mind the term "roadgeek," seeing that it has a simple construct, and I don't think the first definition given at M-W is the most prevalent definition of "geek" today. Not that there's anything wrong with that sort of thing if you do fit that def. 

[BigMattFromTexas]

Roadinator
BigMatt