I just posted a funny 20-question quiz on The Underwire about how to tell if you're a clueless geek. It's based on the Japanese concept of KY, or someone who can't read the air. Excerpt and link below:
In Japan, it's a big insult if someone says "You're so KY!"
KY stands for kuki yomenai, or someone who "can't read the air." Think Steve Carell's Michael Scott character from The Office (pictured).
We first tossed out this term in a story about Hiroyuki Nishimura, "the bad boy of the Japanese internet" who's behind the 2channel forum and video site Nico Nico Douga, in Wired mag's June issue.
So, are you KY -- a person who isn't in on the joke? Take the following quiz to find out.
The quiz questions are after the jump. Link to the answer key on Wired.com at the bottom.
1. People always tell me I don't "get it." Get what?
2. I'm extremely polite.
3. If I have something important to say, I say it -- even if someone else is talking.
4. I'm conscious of listeners' expressions when I'm talking, and I can switch gears if they look bored or uncomfortable.
5. I can guess the relationship between two people by eavesdropping on their conversations.
6. Sometimes, I defend my stance so adamantly that people end up getting hurt or upset.
7. I like to wear things that make me stand out at parties.
8. I don't notice when people like or dislike me unless they explicitly say so.
9. I can communicate with people with my eyes.
10. I don't like to talk in large groups or meetings.
11. I often interrupt people mid-sentence.
12.
When commenting on blogs or bulletin boards, I make sure I read and
understand the entire thread before throwing in my two cents.
13. I'm easily influenced by other people's opinions.
14. When discussing hobbies with friends, I end up talking really loud, even if I'm in public.
15. I stubbornly stick to my opinions.
16. I can talk forever about topics I'm really into.
17. I can't really get into the scene at bars or clubs.
18. Sometimes I get furious and my voice gets aggro.
19. I tune out when people are talking about topics I'm not familiar with.
20. I often run into ruts and uncomfortable silences during conversations.
Comments