The fact that &quot;nerd&quot; is pejorative is linked to the way grades aren&#x27;t read aloud.<p>The &quot;nerd&quot; pejorative isn&#x27;t about doing well academically, it&#x27;s more about bragging and obsessing.  It&#x27;s about making academic performance part of your identity.  That&#x27;s what people think is uncool.  It&#x27;s not like the quarterback <i>loses</i> points if he happens to be smart.  He just shouldn&#x27;t flaunt it or obsess about it.