- One meaning of “hack” is to “cut with rough or heavy blows,” which I think fits neatly with the boldness aspect of a “hacker.” Many people believe that the word “hacker” originated in the MIT to mean a problem solver who uses a more creative means than what’s outlined. It’s very interesting to see that while the rest of the world uses “hacker” to mean someone who breaks into computer systems, the tech industry and Silicon Valley in particular insists on the “creative problem solver” definition being the “real” meaning of the term. Therefore, “hacker” is quite a shibboleth in the tech industry, and many people from the industry pride themselves for being “hackers,” while startups also embrace “hacking culture” and has slogans like “move fast, break things.” Facebook has its coding competition named “Hacker Cup,” despite the fact that the competition is solely about algorithmic challenges and has nothing to do with network security and hacking. “Hacker” in the “creative problem solver” sense seems to be gaining popularity in the mainstream use due to the power and influence of the geek culture, and with shows like Silicon Valley and the Big Bang Theory.
hacker(1)
zero derivation; noun
Someone who solves (usually technological) problems through innovative means and isn’t afraid to break things.
Etymology : agent noun from “hack”
Source : Facebook’s letter to investors, Feb 2012: “The word “hacker” has an unfairly negative connotation from being portrayed in the media as people who break into computers. In reality, hacking just means building something quickly or testing the boundaries of what can be done. Like most things, it can be used for good or bad, but the vast majority of hackers I’ve met tend to be idealistic people who want to have a positive impact on the world.” https://www.wired.com/2012/02/zuck-letter/ https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/a-short-history-of-hack
Last modified: 26 November 2020