I learned their customs and mannerisms by observing them, much the way Jane Goodall learned about the great apes, but without the hassle of grooming. Engineering is so trendy these days that everybody wants to be one. If there's somebody in your life who you think is trying to pass as an engineer, give him this test to discern the truth. Avoid getting invited to something unpleasant. Demonstrate mental superiority and mastery of all subjects.
Engineers like to solve problems.
If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems. Engineers believe that if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet. No engineer looks at a television remote control without wondering what it would take to turn it into a stun gun. No engineer can take a shower without wondering if some sort of Teflon coating would make showering unnecessary. If no appendages are freezing or sticking together, and if no genitalia or mammary glands are swinging around in plain view, then the objective of clothing has been met.