neep-neep

Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

/neep neep/ [onomatopoeic, from New York SF fandom] One who is fascinated by computers. Less specific than hacker, as it need not imply more skill than is required to boot games on a personal computer. The derived noun "neeping" applies specifically to the long conversations about computers that tend to develop in the corners at most SF-convention parties (the term "neepery" is also in wide use). Fandom has a related proverb to the effect that "Hacking is a conversational black hole!". [Jargon File]

(1994-11-29)

The Jargon File

[onomatopoeic, widely spread through SF fandom but reported to have originated at Caltech in the 1970s] One who is fascinated by computers. Less specific than hacker, as it need not imply more skill than is required to play games on a PC. The derived noun neeping applies specifically to the long conversations about computers that tend to develop in the corners at most SF-convention parties (the term neepery is also in wide use). Fandom has a related proverb to the effect that “Hacking is a conversational black hole!”.