neep-neep /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 games 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] Last updated: 1994-11-29
