What's in a name? You would be hard-pressed to find two words as simultaneously synonymous and antonymous as 'geek' and 'nerd,' two words whose meanings seem to bend and twist in context like the spoon in The Matrix.

Depending on the context of the scene, and the person who is bestowing the title, the words have wildly different connotations. And although they seem to be used interchangeably, there is most definitely a reason for both to exist. Before we continue, let's establish a level ground of understanding.

A 'nerd' is someone who is passionately interested in a field of study, and is most often highly intelligent. Often introverted, most nerds are too busy with their academic pursuits to invest time into social skills, instead developing and honing a wide base of knowledge and skill sets as diverse as they are focused. Famous nerds include Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Sheldon Cooper from TV's The Big Bang Theory.

On the other hand, a 'geek' is someone whose passion is purely voluntary and often mired in fandom. A geek doesn't necessarily have the best grades, but does have a sharpened knowledge on a particular topic (or several!), such as (but not limited to) fashion, Harry Potter, video games, sports cars or Star Trek. Famous geeks include Alan Cross, Perez Hilton and Dwight Schrute from TV's The Office.

To be a geek is to be a self-made expert on any given topic, regardless of the nerd value of the topic itself. Sports fans are huge geeks. Just by watching their favourite teams and events they gain an intimate knowledge of players' stats, performances and histories. Yet they're no more or less a nerd than someone who can recite every line of the cow—tossing scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Everyone is passionate about something; it's that interest that provides the drive we need to get through the things we don't enjoy. A long day of classes is easier to bear knowing you're going to see the new Tarantino film, and extended wait times at the hospital don't seem nearly as long when you've got new apps to play with on your phone.

No longer should geekery be confused with nerdiness; being so driven to expertise in any given topic is a commendable trait, and that fan club membership or subscription is a badge of honour and dedication. One day, your specialty will qualify you above all others in a given situation, and that sweet moment will be yours to enjoy.

So embrace your geekiness! The only thing you're really declaring is your passion for your particular interests, and it's only by being honest and forthright about them that you're going to find those exciting opportunities to network with other superfans like yourself.

Own your geekhood, and if anyone gives you a hard time about it, well ... they're just jealous.