This article is about the stereotypical character. For a number of specific historical uses, see Whiz Kids. For the computer game, see Wizkid. For the Marvel Comics character named Wiz Kid, see Taki Matsuya.

The whiz kid is a stock character who is highly intelligent but lacking in physical strength. They usually wear glasses and are somewhat overdressed or tout a different style than the rest of the cast (this often includes button-up shirts, suspenders, and gelled, parted hair).

The whiz kid is usually interested in books, science and technology, and more recently the stereotype has taken up interest in computers and the Internet. The whiz kid takes pride in being smart, and often uses big words (sometimes to show off, or to confuse and manipulate other, less intelligent people around them). The whiz kid usually uses his or her superior knowledge to help the main characters of a story accomplish some goal.

Often the whiz kid is the hero's sidekick, but may also be the lead character or comic relief.

The term "whiz kid" can apply to both males and females. Derogatory references include "geeks" and "nerds".

A whiz kid can also be intended as an exceptionally talented and comparatively young person, esp. a newcomer, who shows great promise in a particular field.

Examples

• Alexia Ashford (Resident Evil: Code Veronica)
• Artemis Fowl II (Artemis Fowl)
• Adam Cox III (Diary of Anne Frank)
• Barry Ween (The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius)
• Billy Cranston (Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers)
• Bruce Banner (Hulk)
• Chiyo Mihama (Azumanga Daioh)
• Connie Souphanousinphone (King of the Hill)
• Daniel Jackson¹ (Stargate and Stargate SG-1)
• Dexter (Dexter's Laboratory)
• Donatello (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
• Doogie Howser, M.D. (TV series of the same title)
• Ed (Cowboy Bebop)
• Edd (Ed, Edd, and Eddy)
• Emma Emmerich (Metal Gear Solid 2)
• Encyclopedia Brown (book series of the same title)
• Franklin Mumford (My Wife And Kids)
• Fletcher Moon (Half-Moon) (Half-Moon Investigations)
• Franklin Richards (Fantastic Four)
• Gadget Hackwrench (Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers)
• Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)
• Honker Muddlefoot (Darkwing Duck)
• I.M. Weasel (I Am Weasel)
• Jack B. Quick (Tomorrow Stories)
• Jeremie Belpois (Code Lyoko)
• Jason Fox (FoxTrot)
• Jason Yu (Made)
• Jeff Andonuts (EarthBound)
• Jimmy Neutron (Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius)
• Jorge Garcia (Backyard Sports video game series)
• Kevin Dillon (Freak The Mighty)
• Kevin French (Mission Hill)
• Leslie Clark (The ClueFinders)
• Lisa Simpson (The Simpsons)
• Lucas De Palo (seaQuest DSV)
• Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)
• Malcolm (Malcolm in the Middle)
• Martin Prince (The Simpsons)
• Max Fisher (Rushmore)
• Mike Teevee (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
• Miles "Tails" Prower (Sonic the Hedgehog)
• Otacon (Metal Gear Solid)
• Patty Pryor (American Dreams)
• Penny (Inspector Gadget)
• Peter Parker (Spider-Man)
• Sammy Dullard (Rocket Power)
• Scotty Smalls (The Sandlot)
• Sean Murray
• Shinra (Final Fantasy X-2)
• Steve Urkel (Family Matters)
• Susan and Mary Test (Johnny Test)
• T.J. Henderson (Smart Guy)
• Velma Dinkley (''Scooby-Doo)
• Wesley Crusher (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
• Wade Load (Kim Possible)
• Zach Addy (Bones)

Notes

1. Although Daniel Jackson is an adult, he often takes to amazing events with an almost childlike sense of awe. He also fulfills several of the stereotypes relating to whiz kids, such as wearing glasses and being nerdy (the latter is especially true of him in the Stargate film.)