Geek originally meant a carnival performer who bit the heads off live animals, probably from Low German geck (fool), before transforming into a term for tech enthusiasts.
An enthusiast or expert, especially in technology or a niche subject; formerly, a carnival performer who did bizarre acts.
Originally carnival and circus slang for a performer whose act consisted of biting the heads off live chickens or snakes. Probably from Low German or Dutch geck, meaning a fool or freak. The word's modern meaning of 'technology enthusiast' emerged in the 1980s-1990s, a dramatic transformation from its grotesque origins. Key roots: geck (Low German: "fool, freak").