Browse Definitions :
Definition

propeller head (or propellor head, prop head, prophead)

A propeller head (also spelled propellor head , and sometimes shortened to prop head or prophead ) is jargon for someone who is exceptionally, perhaps weirdly bright or knowledgeable, especially in some technical field. In computers, according to The New Hacker's Dictionary , it's a synonym for computer geek . The term refers to the child's beanie cap that comes with a spinning propeller sticking out of the top.

The New Hacker's Dictionary says that the propeller cap somehow became a self-parody symbol of the out-of-this-worldness of science fiction fans. It attributes the idea to science fiction writer Ray Faraday Nelson. We like this tongue-in-cheek definition from The Web Developer's Journal :

" The term 'prophead' is a holdover from the days when the nerd kids on the block wore caps with little propellers on top. This fashion gave way to the pencil pocket protector. Here at the WDJ, 'propheads' refers to programmers, developers and other technically-oriented types. A weenie doesn't even use a regular keyboard, just a little one with two keys: 1 and 0. Weenies talk among themselves in continuous data streams, which sound to mortal ears like a modem logging on."
This was last updated in March 2011
Networking
  • WAN (wide area network)

    A wide area network (WAN) is a geographically distributed private telecommunications network that interconnects multiple local ...

  • network protocol

    A network protocol is a set of established rules that specify how to format, send and receive data so that computer network ...

  • SD-branch

    SD-branch is a single, automated, centrally managed software-centric platform that replaces or supplements an existing branch ...

Security
  • Cloud Security Alliance (CSA)

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes research into best practices for securing cloud ...

  • quantum supremacy

    Quantum supremacy is the experimental demonstration of a quantum computer's dominance and advantage over classical computers by ...

  • YubiKey

    YubiKey is a security token that enables users to add a second authentication factor to online services from tier 1 vendor ...

CIO
  • transaction

    In computing, a transaction is a set of related tasks treated as a single action.

  • lean management

    Lean management is an approach to managing an organization that supports the concept of continuous improvement, a long-term ...

  • device ID (device identification)

    A device ID (device identification) is an anonymous string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies a mobile device such ...

HRSoftware
  • talent pool

    A talent pool is a database of job candidates who have the potential to meet an organization's immediate and long-term needs.

  • diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

    Diversity, equity and inclusion is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and ...

  • passive candidate

    A passive candidate (passive job candidate) is anyone in the workforce who is not actively looking for a job.

Customer Experience
  • product-qualified lead (PQL)

    A product-qualified lead (PQL) is an individual or business that experienced value from using a product as a result of a free ...

  • marketing-qualified lead (MQL)

    A marketing-qualified lead (MQL) is a website visitor whose engagement levels indicate they are likely to become a customer.

  • customer success

    Customer success is a strategy to ensure a company's products are meeting the needs of the customer.

Close