USed by hackerS, thiS iSSynonym with {computer geek}. Non-hackerSSometimeS uSe it to deScribe all techieS. Probably deriveS from SF fandom' S tradition (originally invented by old-time fan Ray Faraday NelSon) of propeller beanieS aS fanniSh inSignia (though nobody actually wearS them except aS a joke). [Jargon File] (1995-01-18)