Geek Code

The Geek Code was invented by Robert Hayden in 1993 and is defined at geekcode.com. The idea has subsequently been extended to many other occupations and groups, such as goths or furries, but the geek code is the original such code.

In some parts of the net, it was once common practice to use a geek code as one's signature, though those times are now long past. One of the consequences of being so old in such a fast-moving field is that much of the geek code now looks rather dated. The World Wide Web is described as "relatively new and little understood" - while the latter may still be accurate, the former certainly isn't. Creating a geek code for yourself is almost like nostalgia for nerds.

Once created, geeks can use their geek codes anywhere they please. Previous places include emails, websites, letters, art, programming language comments, and even T-shirts. Nowadays, personal websites are the most common breeding ground, particularly any "about me" sections.

Robert Hayden's own geek code is:

-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----

GED/J d-- s:++> a-- C++(++++) ULU++ P+ L++ E---- W+(-) N+++ o+ K+++ w--- O- M+ V--
PS++>$ PE++> Y++ PGP++ t- 5+++ X++ R+++> tv+ b+ DI+++ D+++ G++++ e++ h r-- y++**
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------

Format

The Geek Code Block formatting, which is optional (though not in Robert Hayden's opinion), is a parody of the output produced by the encryption program PGP. Within the Geek Code Block there is a line specifying the version of Geek Code being used. The next line starts with the letter G (for Geek) followed by the Geek's occupation(s): GMU for a geek of music. Then we get into the geek code proper. For geeks with multiple occupations, a slash or slashes is or are used: GMD/TW, for instance, for a geek of medicine and technical writing. There are 24 occupations that can be represented and 4 special indicators:

• GO - Geek of other, for occupations that can't be represented normally.
• GU - Geek of undecided.
• G! - Geek of no qualifications.
• GAT - Geek of all trades, for those who can do anything.
  

  Categories

"Most geeks have an undeniable love for the Star Trek television show. Because geek is often synonymous with trekkie, it is important that all geeks list their Trek rating."

"While many geeks are highly successful at having relationships, a good many more are not. Give us the gritty details."

Category-specific modifiers

Although some categories have special syntax, generally each category is followed by a series of + or - signs showing how much the geek agrees or disagrees with the category. For example, t+++ indicates a geek who thinks this about Star Trek:

"I know all about warp field dynamics and the principles behind the transporter. I have memorized the TECH manual. I speak Klingon. I go to cons with Vulcan ears on."

"I'm beginning to think that I'm a leper or something, the way people avoid me like the plague."

Modifiers

Decoding a Geek Code

While the original way to read or write Geek Code is by hand, some people feel they have more important things in their life, like changing that r--- to a happier state, so Joe Reiss wrote an Ungeeker for them to use. There is a similar program by Pete Williams available.

External links