The adjective version, dorky, like its cousinly nouns nerd and geek, is no longer a straight-up insult dorky now conveys a sense of post-Zuckerberg/Gates outlier pride. Originally slang for, you guessed it, a penis, it somehow (duh) turned into a euphemism for “an uncouth person.” But it has come up in the world (sorry).
Prepare to do so again.Ī bit about the word: Dork is a term in flux. And no matter your level of cool, you occasionally surrender, with pleasure, to dorky. You, dear reader, know this secret truth. Dorky is transgressive, requiring and inspiring courage. Think tight waistbands, pointy-toed shoes, and a leather jacket worn in the heat. As a label or a style, “cool” can be limiting, even uncomfortable.
No one is cool all the time, and amen to that.
This article originally appeared on The Weeklings.
