Propeller Beanie

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Propeller Beanies are hats worn by college freshmen beginning in the 1950s as a mild form of hazing and as a symbol of being a newbie. SF author and fanartist Ray Nelson invented the headgear while a high-school sophomore in Cadillac, Michigan. They have also been a symbol of science fiction fans (and their nerdiness) beginning in 1940.

back cover of Warped Space #50 (1984), artist is Gordon Carleton

From a 1974 essay titled Some Thoughts on Trekkies by Ruth Berman, one which illustrates the The Geek Hierarchy:

If all Star Trek fans are to be called Trekkies, then the term is merely descriptive and cannot -- or, rather should not -- be used as an insult. If it it is to be used as an insult -- and the sound of it is insulting -- those who use it should consider more carefully whom they oppose and why. As it stands, the use of the term Trekkie puts the speaker on par with those newspaper reporters who describe the propeller beanies and flying saucers taking over the town when those kooks who read that crazy Buck Rogers stuff hold a convention.

Further Reading

• Propeller Beanie Fancyclopedia 3
• Propeller Beanies Wikipedia