The whiz kid is usually a stock character, with a specific personality type. Traits tend to include high intelligence, lack of physical strength, being mentally intimidating, knowledge, and confidence. The term “whiz kid” can apply to both males and females. They are usually characterized as wearing glasses, somewhat overdressed or touting an unusual style than the rest of the group (this may include button-up shirts, suspenders, and gelled, parted hair or other, slightly dated, wear). The whiz may be a back-formation from the word wizard, with its connotations of uncanny skill.
The whiz kid usually has interests in books, science and technology, and more recently the stereotype has interests in computers and the Internet. The whiz kid character usually takes pride in being smart, and often uses big words (sometimes to show off, or to confuse and manipulate other, less intelligent characters). The whiz kid character usually uses his (or her) superior knowledge to help the main characters of a story accomplish some goal. A whiz kid can also be intended as an exceptionally talented and comparatively young person (especially a newcomer) who shows great promise in a particular field.
Often the whiz kid character is the hero’s sidekick, but may also be the lead character or comic relief.
Derogatory references may include: “geeks” or “nerds”. A whiz kid character who is male is often referred to as a “boy genius.”