nerd-out
/nɜːd aʊt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To become very excited and deeply interested in a topic, often by talking about it in detail. It is usually informal and suggests strong enthusiasm.
- He nerds out about old movies.
- I nerded out over the new phone.
- She can nerd out on camera settings for hours.
Adinary Nuance
Nerd-out is more playful and informal than words like obsess or discuss. It often suggests happy enthusiasm, not a bad habit or a problem. You use it when someone enjoys a topic so much that they talk about it in detail. It can sound friendly, self-aware, or joking.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mê mẩn
- Spanish
- emocionarse
- Chinese
- 痴迷
- Japanese
- 熱中する
- Korean
- 덕질하다
Etymology
This is a modern informal phrase built from nerd and out. It became common in American English in the late 20th century, especially in spoken language.
Common phrases
nerd out aboutnerd out ontotally nerd outnerd out over
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is nerd-out formal or informal?
- It is informal. Use it with friends, or in casual writing.
- What is the difference between nerd out and geek out?
- They are very close. Geek out is a little more common for hobbies and pop culture.
- Can I say I nerd out on something?
- Yes. Both 'nerd out on' and 'nerd out about' are common.
- Does nerd-out sound negative?
- Usually no. It often sounds fun, excited, and a little self-mocking.