MIT hacks are very similar to what we call "canular" at the ENS (École normale supérieure) in France. The french word "canular" has actually been invented there

MIT hacks are very similar to what we call "canular" at the ENS (École normale supérieure) in France. The french word "canular" has actually been invented there using a false ethymology and has since become a regular french word everybody use without knowing it's origin.