neep-neep /neep neep/ n.
[onomatopoeic, widely spread through SF fandom but reported to
have originated at Caltech in the 1970s] One who is fascinated by
computers. Less specific than hacker, as it need not imply more skill than is
required to boot games on a PC. The derived noun `neeping'
applies specifically to the long conversations about computers
that tend to develop in the corners at most SF-convention parties
(the term `neepery' is also in wide use). Fandom has a related
proverb to the effect that "Hacking is a conversational black
hole!".