Where does “geek” come from?

geek (Danish) comes from English geek, from English geck, from Dutch gek, from Middle Dutch geck — madman.

geek (Danish): geek expert in a technical field, particularly to do with computers; person intensely interested in a particular field or hobby; unfashionable or socially undesirable person

Definitions

  1. geek expert in a technical field, particularly to do with computers; person intensely interested in a particular field or hobby; unfashionable or socially undesirable person

Ancestry of “geek”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishgeekA carnival performer specializing in bizarre and...
2Englishgeckscorn; derision; contempt; Fool; idiot; imbecile;...
3Dutchgekcrazy, mad; ludicrous, farcical; silly, playful
4Middle Dutchgeckmadman
Every word from Middle Dutch geck →Every word from Dutch gek →Every word from English geck →