Neckbeard (slang)

For the general hairstyle, see List of facial hairstyles.

"Neckbeard" is a pejorative term and stereotype for an adult man or teenage boy who exhibits characteristics such as social awkwardness, underachievement, and pretentiousness.^[1] The term is derived from the neck beard style of facial hair, wearers of which may neglect social norms of facial hair care and identify with nerd, gamer, or geek subcultures.^[2] The term has also been associated with anti-feminist internet users.^[3]

A modern example of a neckbeard, in which the mustache is always absent either through shaving or for genetic reasons

Examples

• Some regard Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons as a neckbeard due to his appearance, pretentiousness, and love for comic books.^[2]
• Some regard the character Plague in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as a neckbeard.^[2] The titular protagonist also shares some traits associated with the stereotype.
• In South Park's "Make Love, Not Warcraft" episode, there is a neckbeard named Jenkins who spends all of his time playing the online role-playing game World of Warcraft.^[2]

Gallery

• 
  The American naturalist Henry David Thoreau wore a neckbeard in the 19th century.
• 
  John Adams Dix sporting a neckbeard, a style of facial hair common in the 1800s, named for the complete absence of a mustache.

See also

• Parasite single
• Nerd
• Geek