The word trekkie, or the less-common trekker, is a word used to describe die-hard Star Trek fans. According to popular lore, the word trekkie was coined by show creator Arthur W. Saha in 1967 though not attested until later. Trekkie is actually predated by the word trekker, which was used by a fan in a letter to the editor printed in the March 4, 1967 edition of TV Guide.
Either way, trekkies or trekkers are known for cosplaying as their favorite characters, discussing the show endlessly with one another, and generally enjoying the Star Trek fictional world. Trekkies are stereotyped frequently in popular culture as dweeby nerds, but the truth is that there are a lot of different kinds of Star Trek fans. This has caused some to adopt the word trekker to refer to Star Trek fans who might not fit the classic stereotype.
My understanding is that both are Star Trek fans, with the distinction being that trekkies take Star Trek too seriously, while trekkers take themselves too seriously.
I take it this was prior to the term Trekkies? Or maybe they didn’t want to scare off potential new viewers.
I’m guessing they were just going for a broader appeal in general.
Trekker never sat well with me. Sounds too outdoorsy. To hear that it came first has shattered my worldview.
Agreed.
This is a Trekker:
This is a Trekkie:
To say otherwise is just wrong.
And this is a Trecker (German):
w…what if I’m both?
I’m definitely both
My understanding is that both are Star Trek fans, with the distinction being that trekkies take Star Trek too seriously, while trekkers take themselves too seriously.