techie

Techie is an informal noun and, less commonly, an adjective used to describe a person who is enthusiastic about technology or skilled in using, building, or repairing technological systems. A techie may be a hobbyist who tinkers with computers and electronics, or a professional who works in the tech industry, such as a software developer, IT technician, engineer, or product designer. The term emphasizes practical knowledge and familiarity with digital tools rather than formal credentials, though it can apply to a wide range of expertise levels.

Origin and usage: Techie combines technology with the diminutive suffix -ie, a pattern common in English for creating familiar or affectionate terms. It has been in use since the late 20th century and remains common in American English; British usage also appears as techy or techie. In contemporary discourse, techie can describe a person, a group, or a community associated with technology, such as a conference or startup culture.

Cultural context and nuance: In some contexts, techie signals positive identity and belonging within tech communities, while in others it may be viewed as informal or patronizing compared with more formal titles like engineer or technologist. It tends to carry a more approachable tone than stricter labels, with overlap with terms such as geek or coder.

See also: information technology, software developer, hardware engineer, IT professional, technologist, hacker, coder.