I’ve noticed that these days, the word “rockstar” is thrown about pretty darn freely. There are social media rockstars, rockstar scientists, rockstar entrepreneurs, even rockstar baristas. Essentially, anybody who is popular and good at what they do is anointed the title of “rockstar” by consensus of others in their field. I encounter this in my world of geekery so much that it’s obvious that the true meaning of “rockstar” is completely lost.

This bothers me.

Why? Because I have friends who really are rockstars. Award-winning, touring, genuine rockstars. Who play music. In bands.

And now I don’t know what to call them.

Someone in my geek world asked me not long ago what I did the past weekend, so I said I was “hanging out with my rockstar friends.” They responded with, “Really, what do they do?” So I had to clarify, “They’re musicians. In bands. You know, rockstars. Literally.” The person I was speaking with seemed absolutely astounded that I could say “rockstar” and actually be meaning rockstar in its original context.

This entire situation seems so ironic, especially since the majority of the time I hear “rockstar” it’s referring to somebody who is good with computers or social media or something along those geeky lines.

I’m not suggesting that people change their lexicon and not use the term “rockstar” for people admired in their field. That would be impossible. What I would like, however, is another term to call my real, literally rockstar friends so as to clear up confusion.

So, what should we call real, genuine rockstars now? Nerds?

Photo of Dana Forrester by Michael Spleet.