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nerd out

B2 informal intransitive
In simple words

To get really excited and talk a lot about something you love, like a science topic or a video game.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To become deeply and enthusiastically absorbed in a niche or intellectual topic.

"We completely nerded out about medieval architecture for the entire train ride."

2 B2 idiomatic informal

To behave in a way characteristic of a nerd, especially by showing intense enthusiasm for technical or academic topics in a social setting.

"Sorry — I totally nerded out at the party when someone mentioned quantum physics."

Usage notes

Originally from American English but now common in global internet culture. Generally used affectionately or self-deprecatingly. Often followed by 'about': 'I nerded out about linguistics for an hour'. 'Geek out' is interchangeable.

Commonly used with

about science history comics data games

Forms

Base
nerd out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
nerds out
he/she/it
Past simple
nerded out
yesterday
Past participle
nerded out
have + pp
-ing form
nerding out
continuous

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Synonyms

geek out get excited about go deep on obsess over dive into

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