"I Grok Spock"

[EnriqueH]

Can someone explain this phrase to me?

Maybe one of the old timers can tell me?

I know it was a phrase that goes back to the early Trek fandom days. I know there were bumper stickers with that phrase during the Roddenberry orchestrated heist on NBC HQ, with fans plastering them over cars.

But where does that phrase originate? I've been a lifelong fan of the series, (over 35 years), and the phrase mystifies me a bit.

 

[Metryq]

"Grok" is a Martian term for "deep understanding" from Robert Heinlein's novel STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND. The novel was so popular that the term entered common lexicon and can now be found in many dictionaries.

 

[Green Shirt]

One of the earliest proofs that Trek fans were considered nerds.

 

[Smellincoffee]

One of the earliest proofs that Trek fans were considered nerds.

Also, an early example of fandoms borrowing from one another.

 

[Metryq]

Wasn't there a TAS episode titled "BEM"? There's an acronym today's sci-fi fans may not know.

 

[EnriqueH]

"Grok" is a Martian term for "deep understanding" from Robert Heinlein's novel STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND. The novel was so popular that the term entered common lexicon and can now be found in many dictionaries.

Oh! Interesting. See, I have the book but have not gotten around to reading it. Thanks for that.

Wasn't there a TAS episode titled "BEM"? There's an acronym today's sci-fi fans may not know.

This sounds familiar. Can someone shed light?

 

[BK613]

BEM = Bug-Eyed Monster, IIRC

 

[kirkfan]

I believe it is a means to possibly save your life. If someone puts a gun to your head and says: "you have thirty seconds to convince me that you're a geek or I'll shoot you." saying "I grok Spock" could be your best bet.

 

[kirkfan]

BEM = Bug-Eyed Monster, IIRC

Not in the TAS episode though, for one thing, their BEM didn't have big eyes or bug eyes, as both are used.

 

[mythme]

BEM = Bug-Eyed Monster, IIRC

Not in the TAS episode though, for one thing, their BEM didn't have big eyes or bug eyes, as both are used.

I believe BEM was written for the live series for a hopeful season 4. Ari wasn't specifically supposed to have bug-eyes, it was just a term thrown around whenever an alien was planned for a show. Same holds true for Doctor Who when the Daleks were planned. Producers didn't want "bug-eyed monsters" and Daleks are anything but.

 

[kirkfan]

BEM = Bug-Eyed Monster, IIRC

Not in the TAS episode though, for one thing, their BEM didn't have big eyes or bug eyes, as both are used.

I believe BEM was written for the live series for a hopeful season 4. Ari wasn't specifically supposed to have bug-eyes, it was just a term thrown around whenever an alien was planned for a show. Same holds true for Doctor Who when the Daleks were planned. Producers didn't want "bug-eyed monsters" and Daleks are anything but.

Correct me if I am wrong but the only Bug Eyed Monster we see on TNG is the one in Future Imperfect, and we only get to see him for like thirty seconds.