The word 'nerd' has had more of a negative connotation for a while, but that seems to be changing as more and more people are beginning to accept their 'nerdiness.' What does being a nerd mean? Many people do not realize there are different categories of 'nerds.' Because of this, some people may not realize they are, in fact, nerds. Here are 10 categories of nerds:

1. Book Nerd

This is the category that many people would place me into (and I would gladly accept). This is also a category that I feel could be split into at least two sub-categories: the ones who read the more popular reading material and the ones who enjoy reading about Middle Earth, wizards and dragon-slaying.

2. Gaming Nerd

My fiance would definitely fall under this category. This category is for noobs and MLG's (Major League Gamers) alike. If you find yourself playing video games (of any sort) in every spare moment of your free time, you are probably a 'gaming nerd.'

3. School Nerd

In this category, you usually find the straight A students. These nerds unfortunately seem to get the worst of the 'beatings,' but they will more than likely be the ones who 'make it' in this world.

4. Comic Book Nerd

This category is for all of those who enjoy not only reading comic books, but also watching comic book-based movies. This category is also aware that there is more out there than Marvel and DC. You may also be in this category if you can point out and discuss the movie characters that nobody else even noticed.

5. Television Show Nerd

You fall under this category if you religiously watch a 'unique' show. Sci-fi shows always count. Bonus points if your show isn't made in the U.S.

6. Cosplay Nerd

If your weekends consist of you dressing as your favorite character from TV shows, movies, books, comics, etc., you fall in this category. You usually have a few friends who share the same passion as you, and role-playing is often a must. You're also basically an expert at applying makeup.

7. Computer Nerd (Geek)

If you know exactly what goes into a computer to make it 'good,' you probably fit in this category. Your hobbies may include hacking. You also use vocabulary that nobody could even begin to comprehend.

8. Music Nerd

This one is a bit more difficult for me to define. A lot of nerds in this category tend to solely stick to their own kind. Basically it's because no one else truly understands them, and they never will. You also tend to get very annoyed when someone mistakes one song or piece for something else entirely.

9. Indie Nerd

One way to figure out if you are in this category is if you keep out of the mainstream of it all. You do things your own way. Because of this, you have your own tastes that others generally don't even know exist. Go you, though, because you are treading on a new path that none have yet dared to try.

10. Sports Nerd

If your team's loss drastically affects your mood, you probably belong in this category. You have probably never missed a game, whether it be in person, on TV or via the radio. And if you are forced away from your television set (and away from home), you are constantly looking for any open TV or radio to be changed to 'the game.'

So there you have it, the 10 basic nerd categories. Which one do you belong to?