BebuLamar

Reading Jerry post about "Highway Hack" it seems the term "Hack" used to mean chopping something or accessing other computers or network to modify or steal information.
Now the term "Hack" is used for everything. I quite dislke the term hack used when someone modified something to make it work in a different way.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

As in a "hack job"? That phrase has been around for a VERY long time....
Maybe it was geographically local?

BebuLamar

No hack job has been around for a long time.
I mean like in this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dL0hYtH3GE

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Well, they're kinda hacks.....
Shortcuts, simple "fixes" to a problem, deviation from "normal" use.
The term is simply used more these days.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Yes, I have noticed that too. And have heard or seen both or many uses for the word "Hack". But I agree it is far over used today.

BebuLamar

Yes and that's the kind of meaning I don't really like.

FL Streetrodder

"Hack" was once a term for a taxi or carriage for hire.

Bayou

Indeed. I often see the word misused to mean "tip", or simply a "good idea". Of course language is increasingly misused these days. It's deliberate...to baffle, and to destroy any remaining sense of reality.

pendennis

I was taught that the word "hack" was an abbreviation for "hackneyed". There's been an evolution of the original word, and diversion of its abbreviation.

BebuLamar

Just like when Jerry said "Highway Hack".

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Language evolves. It usually takes a step backward, though. I guess that would be devolving.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Among many other things...

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Many terms get bastardized over time.

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

The multi-uses of the word "hack" these days is symptomatic of the general descent into the "Land of Ignorance!" Just as "anti-education" has become the Mantra of Political Hacks; lack of "communication skills" have become laughed at; and, more and more become acceptable! The over-whelming use of "initials" [as in LOL; or, IMHO; etc] instead of writing out whole words fits into the idea of "160-character" texts; etc. Sometimes I can read a page of such symbols, and have virtually no idea what is meant or what the "speaker" is talking about . . .When I walk into a classroom (Grades 7 through 12) to "teach" a subject; I am met by "blank faces" and a general overall ignorance of the topic beyond its title; and, often not even "recognition" beyond "Oh, yeah. I THINK I've heard about it!" (Interviews with the winner of a sports "event" on television, after they have just won a "major" championship, is another example. . .As in, "Bob, they're comparing you to Ben Hogan!" And, the interviewee hasn't a clue WHO you've just compared him to! But, he smiles; and, says "He's always been my hero and inspiration!) "Late Night talk shows" can only include comments and/or "conversations" on the broadest (and, most recent!) topics or persons because Memory (for many) is only of "short duration!" [As in "since the most recent HEADLINE!"]

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Hack job used to translate to AFU