I can sympathise there. After "spotting" for some 40+ years, I still get the "nerd, geek, anorak" comments from most people. I work in the industry and they are the worst people for this. The view seems to be that if you take any interest whatsoever in aviation then you are some sort of idiot.
These same people can quote you chapter and verse many and various facts and figures about aviation, regestrations etc but they are NOT interested! Bull!!!!.
My advice is to ignore the people who try to run down your hobby and just get on with it. Stuff the macho idiots who think anything that doesnt involve getting pissed and shagging is nerdy.
Remember, sticks and stones etc!!!
skiddy