HACKER

hack, drudge, hacker

(noun) one who works hard at boring tasks

hacker

(noun) a programmer for whom computing is its own reward; may enjoy the challenge of breaking into other computers but does no harm; “true hackers subscribe to a code of ethics and look down upon crackers”

hacker

(noun) someone who plays golf poorly

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

hacker (plural hackers)

(computing) One who is expert at programming and solving problems with a computer.

(computing) One who uses a computer to gain unauthorized access to data, or to carry out malicious attacks.

Synonym: cracker (outside US)

(computing) A computer security professional.

Something that hacks; a tool or device for hacking.

(UK, regional) A fork-shaped tool used to harvest root vegetables.

Someone who hacks.

Particularly, one who cuts with rough or heavy blows.

Particularly, one who kicks wildly or roughly.

Particularly, one who is consistent and focuses on accomplishing a task or several tasks.

(US) One who is inexperienced or unskilled at a particular activity, especially a sport such as golf or tennis.

(US) One who operates a taxicab

Usage notes

• There are significantly more meanings of the word within the United States than in other English speaking nations.

• The use of the word hacker to indicate a person who displays skill, particularly with computers, may be misunderstood as implying the narrow meaning of unauthorised intrusion into electronic systems (also known as a cracker or occasionally black hat). This serious misunderstanding in the field of computer expertise is perhaps particularly common outside the United States.

• Some computer enthusiasts object to the use of hacker for a person who breaks into computer systems, preferring cracker for this sense.

• Most recently there has been a tendency to use hacker in a positive sense in other domains: growth hacker, food hacker, sex hacker, etc.

Source: Wiktionary

Hack"er, n.

Definition: One who, or that which, hacks. Specifically: A cutting instrument for making notches; esp., one used for notching pine trees in collecting turpentine; a hack.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition