3 ms·

"hackers plural 1. A computer hacker is someone who tries to break into computer systems, especially in order to get secret information. 2. A computer hacker

by matt1 17y ago

"hackers plural 1. A computer hacker is someone who tries to break into computer systems, especially in order to get secret information. 2. A computer hacker is someone who uses a computer a lot, especially so much that they have no time to do anything else." http://www.google.com/dictionary?langpair=en%7Cen&q=hacker&hl=en&aq=f http://www.google.com/dictionary?langpair=en%7Cen&q=hack... I guess we're number two?

Sukotto 17y ago
yes. Words are defined by their usage... even if the original meaning was different (or even opposite) to to current usage. "Hacker" has come to primarily mean #1 ... only a small subset of technical people and academics still use it like #2. Similar to the way "Begs the question" has changed in the last few years to mean "directly leads to us asking".
- hexis 17y ago
  "Words are defined by their usage." Indeed, definitions are like history. It doesn't always work out the way one might like it to.
CWuestefeld 17y ago
Tried the first word that randomly popped into my head. panoply /p'ænəpli/ Synonyms: noun: armour, armor Huh? Since when are "panoply" and "armor" synonyms?
- bmj 17y ago
  From dictionary.com: 1. a wide-ranging and impressive array or display: the dazzling panoply of the maharaja's procession; the panoply of European history. 2. a complete suit of armor. 3. a protective covering. 4. full ceremonial attire or paraphernalia; special dress and equipment.
- grellas 17y ago
  The word "panoply" derives from a compound Greek word, "pan" = "all" and "hoply," from the "hoplite" or "armed soldier" of ancient times. Hence, the original idea behind the word is that of being "fully (or heavily) armed."
whitebit 17y ago
Contrast this with the Oxford English Dictionary's entry for Hacker, noun: 1. One who hacks; one who hoes with a hack. 2. That which hacks; an implement for hacking, chopping wood, or breaking up earth; a chopper, cleaver; a hoe, mattock. 3a. A person with an enthusiasm for programming or using computers as an end in itself. colloq. (orig. U.S.). 3b. A person who uses his skill with computers to try to gain unauthorized access to computer files or networks. colloq. One of the quotations listed under 3b. is also notable: 1983 Byte May 298/1 ‘Hacker’ seems to have originated at MIT. The original German/Yiddish expression referred to someone so inept as to make furniture with an axe, but somehow the meaning has been twisted so that it now generally connotes someone obsessed with programming and computers but possessing a fair degree of skill and competence.

by matt1 17y ago

Sukotto 17y ago

yes. Words are defined by their usage... even if the original meaning was different (or even opposite) to to current usage. "Hacker" has come to primarily mean #1 ... only a small subset of technical people and academics still use it like #2. Similar to the way "Begs the question" has changed in the last few years to mean "directly leads to us asking".

hexis 17y ago
"Words are defined by their usage." Indeed, definitions are like history. It doesn't always work out the way one might like it to.

CWuestefeld 17y ago

Tried the first word that randomly popped into my head. panoply /p'ænəpli/ Synonyms: noun: armour, armor Huh? Since when are "panoply" and "armor" synonyms?

bmj 17y ago
From dictionary.com: 1. a wide-ranging and impressive array or display: the dazzling panoply of the maharaja's procession; the panoply of European history. 2. a complete suit of armor. 3. a protective covering. 4. full ceremonial attire or paraphernalia; special dress and equipment.
grellas 17y ago
The word "panoply" derives from a compound Greek word, "pan" = "all" and "hoply," from the "hoplite" or "armed soldier" of ancient times. Hence, the original idea behind the word is that of being "fully (or heavily) armed."

whitebit 17y ago

Contrast this with the Oxford English Dictionary's entry for Hacker, noun: 1. One who hacks; one who hoes with a hack. 2. That which hacks; an implement for hacking, chopping wood, or breaking up earth; a chopper, cleaver; a hoe, mattock. 3a. A person with an enthusiasm for programming or using computers as an end in itself. colloq. (orig. U.S.). 3b. A person who uses his skill with computers to try to gain unauthorized access to computer files or networks. colloq. One of the quotations listed under 3b. is also notable: 1983 Byte May 298/1 ‘Hacker’ seems to have originated at MIT. The original German/Yiddish expression referred to someone so inept as to make furniture with an axe, but somehow the meaning has been twisted so that it now generally connotes someone obsessed with programming and computers but possessing a fair degree of skill and competence.