They don’t. The term nerd has gotten negative connotations and associations in our modern world and people often use it to either mock or attempt to bully another person.
The basic original meaning of the term is a person who is extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a particular subject, especially one of specialist or niche subjects.
In our modern world, the word nerd is not used in accordance with this original meaning. Therefore, because of its negative connotations, no one really gladly accepts being referred to as a nerd.
And obviously, it is associated with reading for purposes such as acquiring knowledge of a specific subject. This is never a bad or negative thing, however, bullies or those who see themselves as inferior to you use the word in a negative light to either make you feel bad for being an enthusiast of knowledge or developing yourself.
So being called a nerd (with respect to the modern understanding of the term) because you read is purely a means of bullying. The content of bullying is independent of the fact of bullying. This is something that can take time to understand.
But here's a brief explanation.
Everybody knows readers are leaders. CEOs of big corporates are avid readers, political leaders are readers, and big tech innovators and inventors are readers - we see them every day but you will hardly hear them being referred to as nerds. I mean, even Nelson Mandela was an avid reader but you have never heard anyone referring to him as a nerd. Even Julius Malema reads.
Acquiring knowledge is a huge part of shaping and creating the life you want, therefore the attempts of mocking you, because you do so, are not the reason they mock you by calling you a nerd. They attempt to bully you because they see you as a target.
In other words, the things bullies say to you aren’t actually the reason you’re being bullied.
The reason you’re being bullied is bullies see you as a target. The things they say about you are simply whatever is obvious about you.
For example, let’s say you wear glasses. And let’s say bullies bully you over your glasses. “Hey four-eyes! How does it feel to be blind?
It’s easy to think “If only I didn’t wear glasses, they wouldn’t bully me.”
Wrong.
They’re bullying you about the glasses, but they are not bullying you because of the glasses. They are bullying you because they see you as a target to bully or mock around. If you didn’t wear glasses, they’d bully and mock you over something else.
So many successful people are avid readers, so why are they bullying you because you read?
They aren’t. If you weren't an avid reader, they’d bully you about something else still.
The content of the bullying—the names they call you, the things they harass you about—is independent of the fact of bullying—they see you as a target.
So, being called a nerd as a means to mock you or make you feel somewhat crazy it is not because you read.
Work on yourself and understand why you are seen as a target, and work on your character so you aren't seen as a mere target to play with. Once you get your WHY and change - watch all the names they call you including being frequently called a nerd disappear.
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