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I flinch and tut - does this make me a Bad Nerd?
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In my book, it makes you an exceptionally gifted Nerd.
But zounds, there are no bad Nerds, because a Word Nerd, per definition, cares passionately, even compassionately at times, about the ozone holes forming in our language, the endangered apostrophes and the acid rain of careless usage.
A Nerd, however, is not, per definition, a conservative, but a caretaker, a steward. A Word Nerd is alert to clever inventiveness as well as conservation, and like the fabled boy scout of old is always ready to assist the frailer users across the potholed street. Even, if need be, make them cross it when they don't want to.