The etymology of the term “nerd” involves a lot of abbreviation, according to English actor, comedian and writer Simon Pegg. However, there’s a lack of fact-checking and historical verification there.
American slang adopted the word over fifty years ago, but its origins remain obscure. One theory is that “nerd” came from “knurd,” which is “drunk” spelled backwards, because the original nerd did not partake in parties and other such lively activities. No matter where it came from, catching up on theories of its English roots is amusing.
(via @maudnewton)
