The word 'nerd' likely originated from Dr. Seuss's 1950 book and evolved from slang for a 'stupid or crazy person' to a term describing passionate, often socially awkward individuals. Once a pejorative, 'nerd' has become mainstream, encompassing a broad range of interests and identities, and is now associated with pop culture icons and trends.
Pharrell Williams, now a renowned music mogul, was fired three times from his first job at McDonald's due to his love for chicken nuggets and laziness. Despite this rocky start, he found success in the music industry, forming The Neptunes and N.E.R.D., and creating hits like "Happy."
Actress Brooke Shields proudly calls herself a nerd and credits her color-coordinated pens for getting her through college. Shields is currently promoting her two-part documentary, which explores her decades-long career in Hollywood, including her famed Calvin Klein ads and playing a child prostitute in the movie "Pretty Baby." The documentary also details how the model was sexualized at a young age. Shields' husband, Chris Henchy, agreed that the actress is "very nerdy," but marveled at her normalcy.