Response #1: "Hacker"

When I am asked what the word ‘hacker’ means, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a computer hacker. To further explain, the first definition that comes to mind is this: someone who can gain illegal access to computers and networks using specific programs and software. However, there are quite a few definitions as to what ‘hacker’ means. Allow me to give a couple of actual dictionary definitions. One definition of ‘hacker’ is an unskilled golfer (“Hacker”). This is a bit of information I didn’t know before and, in a sense, I find it quite amusing. As I imagine an amateur golfer attempting to play the game, I can see them swinging at the tee but instead striking the ground, or hacking at it. The definition most definitely suits the word. Another definition I found is close to my own definition of the word, but not dead on; a talented amateur user of computers (“Hacker”). As time has moved forward, however, the term has been adopted more so as a term relating to computers and computer users (hence why my first definition came to mind). For the most part, ‘hacker’ is mainly a slang term referring to computers in some way, shape, or form. When I first started searching the web for more information on what this is I expected exactly what I got: pages upon pages telling how to hack computers and websites, names of famous hackers, etc. This goes on to further exemplify exactly how frequently this term is related to computer technology.  However, I found that the word can relate to having an interest in something specific, being really good at something specific, or being horrible at certain things. While I was searching I saw a search suggestion: why hackers do what they do. I believe that most hackers just do it for the love of computer programming; it makes something click in that nerdy little brain of theirs. I also believe that some of them probably do it to seek out revenge against those that the ‘hacker’ feels has wronged them in some way. Most hackers have excessive knowledge about computer programming, giving them the ability to create viruses and software that will allow them to deface those who have wronged them.  While I was doing research, I started developing my own thoughts as to what a hacker could be and how people who do specific everyday things could in fact be a ‘hacker’ as well. Drummers may very well be ‘hackers’. I am a drummer and the word ‘hacking’ is a term used throughout the percussive world to describe excessive and unnecessary playing at inopportune times, such as during practice. So a drummer can very well be considered a hacker, making myself the same. Also, if you think about it, a hacker could also be a lumberjack. To hack at something usually means to strike something with a decent amount of force/power. To cut down a tree, you really do have to hack at it to cut the wood. So, in a sense, a lumberjack is also a hacker. Some people refer to excessive coughing as hacking. So, in a sense, someone who coughs excessively can be considered a hacker. Also, if you think about it, someone who constantly rants about a specific subject could also be a ‘hacker’ in the sense that they keep hacking at that specific subject as if it were a tree. Really, with enough thought and attentiveness, pretty much anyone or anything could be a hacker in some way, shape, or form. The term isn’t necessarily universal, but it is very close to being so. Thing is, the word is pretty much stuck with its adopted definition and constant relation to computer geniuses. It may take on different definitions or relation as time moves on, but I believe it is highly unlikely. As society develops, it becomes more routine and enhances in simplicity. May very well not develop in the near future.

Sources:
“Hacker.” Webster’s New World Dictionary. 4^th ed. 2003. Print.