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From: rfg@hound.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.misc,net.nlang
Subject: Re:Changing meaning of term "hacker"
Message-ID: <306@hound.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 14-Sep-83 12:36:46 EDT
Article-I.D.: hound.306
Posted: Wed Sep 14 12:36:46 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 15-Sep-83 00:31:52 EDT
References: houxa.242, <2084@tekecs.UUCP>, <544@houxm.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 21

Mr. Foster, you should consult the dictionary yourself. In your std.
issue Webster's Collegiate I find.
vb 1) to cut with repeated irregular or repeated blows.
2) to clear by cutting away vegetation.
3) to manage successfully.
n 1) a horse let out for common hire.
3) one who forfeits individual freedom of action or professional
integrity in exchange for wages ...
vt 1) to make trite and commonplace by frequent and indiscriminate use.
***Every one of these offers a plausible justification for the present
day "insiders" use of the term***  ...that is, if you want to be
etymological about it. However, one of the glories of the language and
our present age is the freedom to innovate. This is especially true
of technical jargon, and I believe the term "hacker" is about as
jargonish as you can get. As I understand it (admittedly imperfectly),
the term is complimentary when used by one who *is* a hacker and
uncomplimentary when used by one who *is not*. In any event, the usage by the
Asbury Park Press was typically uninformed and wrong. Someone should
inform *them* of their error instead of all this breast beating. But
this is more fun.