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From: agk@ihuxq.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.followup
Subject: Re: Hacker.  A definition.
Message-ID: <530@ihuxq.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 24-Jan-84 09:24:54 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxq.530
Posted: Tue Jan 24 09:24:54 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jan-84 07:02:43 EST
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I've always thought that "hacker" was a negative term.  Something like calling
a surgeon a "butcher".  A "hack" is an ugly cough (smoker's hack).  A "hack" is
a slovenly chauffeur (cabbie).  A "hack" is an untalented author (hack writer
for a cheap paperback house).  To "hack" wood is very different from whittling
it or carving it or sawing it.  A machete "hacks" through the forest, leaving
a ragged trail.

My Webster's New Collegiate shows "hack" derived from "hoc", Old English for
hook.  The principal definitions from a series of entries are:

(vb)	to cut with repeated irregular or unskillful blows;
(n)	an implement for hacking;
(n)	(from hackney) a horse let out for common hire;
	(later: a horse worn out in service);
(adj)	working for hire especially with loose or easy professional standards;
(vt)	to make trite and commonplace by frequent and indiscriminate use.

Not a label I would use on myself, except in a confessional.
	-andy ("Bless me, father, for I have hacked") kegel