[header] How to tell the difference between nerds and geeks [title] Understand the origins of the geek. [step] In order to fully appreciate the modern geek, one must find the roots of geekdom. [substeps] Back in the early 1900s, when traveling carnivals were popular, there was a performer called the " geek. 
" his job was to perform bizarre and disgusting acts for the amusement of the locals. Notably, this included biting the heads off live chickens.