photo by me

Erin, who is a co-worker and someone I like very much, used the term “literati” the other day when I wrote about the movies and writing.

She said that she wasn’t sure if she’d be a part of the round table literati crowd or if she’d be one of the people they made fun of.

I know that I’d probably be one of the people they made fun of. I’m never one of the “in-crowd” but always looking in, wondering how I’m always looking in but never a part.

Erin and I were talking yesterday and I realized that I am a part of some “in-crowds.” They just never seem to be the ones I strive to be a part of. The grass is always greener, you know.

I work with some really intelligent, witty, and incredible people. We throw barbs and witticisms just as fast and furious as the Vicious Circle ever could have. We enjoy one another and play off of that enjoyment. We tease. We cajole.

If an outsider were to hear some of the things we say, I’m sure they would wonder what kind of personal hell they had just walked into.

It’s funny…these same things coming from someone else would hurt. You know the kinds of words I’m talking about. They poke. They prod. But when said in the right context and the right situation, they are funny and don’t hurt at all.

This “in-group” speak is unique to each group. The only people who probably aren’t offended by it are the ones who are involved – and that’s only because they understand that nothing offensive was meant by the exchange.

Ours just happens to be geeky and revolves around technology.

I may not have belonged to Round Table. But they would never really belong to the Oblong Geek Table either.