Where have you seen Media outlets talking about Programmers are &quot;geeks&quot; or &quot;nerds&quot;? I recall The Register calling scientists &quot;boffins&quot; but not using the other two words for Coders.<p>I have absolutely no problem with &quot;Coder&quot;. At the risk of sounding grand and dandy, I think people realize the impact Code has on their lives, and being called a coder makes me very happy.<p>I agree with your apprehension over Geek &amp; Nerd, though, it&#x27;s a badge of honor for you and me but maybe not within wider society. But still, which media outlets?<p>Oh BTW: Interesting point about &quot;prestige&quot; affecting womens&#x27; choices in profession. I did not give that angle much thought, I&#x27;ll talk to some of my female colleagues to verify.