Everyone is a geek about something. Perhaps that statement is bold or even, to a degree, offensive to some. But if you take a second to consider what the word actually means, you may find that there is some truth behind it.

Perhaps one of the reasons the word "geek" is looked down upon by some is because it has such a strong correlation with the word "nerd." Though the two are often used interchangeably, the difference between the words is important to understand.

A nerd is generally someone who devotes most of their time to intellectual or technological pursuits. They often forego social endeavours to expand upon their already vast knowledge and skill base. The latest cell phone technology, ancient Mesopotamian trade systems and building a replica of the Starship Enterprise are all safe to consider super nerdy. Because of the intense intellectual and reclusive nature of most nerds, the word usually has negative connotations.

On the other hand, a geek is simply someone who has found an interest in... well... anything, really. A geek voluntarily seeks to widen his or her knowledge on a particular subject, regardless of how quirky or nerdy that subject is. Geeks are often sociable, enthusiastic experts in any given field. For example, musicians and music fans alike are geeks. Going to shows, buying (or downloading) every single song their favourite musician has been featured in, learning the lyrics to every one of those songs and defending that same musician from haters with a passion are the basic characteristics of any music geek.

There are many different kind of geeks, and chances are you're one of them. We're not talking about the stereotypical ones that like to configure computers and play Halo all day long. I'm talking about sports geeks, fashion geeks, music geeks and gym geeks. Everyone has an inner geek. This issue is pulling the curtains off of the word "geek" and the stigma it draws. We're all geeked up in one way or another, so you might as well just embrace it.

No longer should the stigma of being a geek allow others to ostracise or misunderstand. Being a geek is expressing that passion that makes us happy. Without it, our lives would seem mundane and perpetually boring. Remember that, regardless of whether or not they've expressed it, everyone has an inner geek.