/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 game s 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)