hack
/hæk/A clever and quick way to do something, often using a simple trick or workaround. In technology, it can also mean a small, smart fix or solution.
- That shortcut is a neat hack.
- We found a hack to save time.
To cut or chop something roughly with repeated strokes. It can also mean to gain illegal access to a computer system.
- He hacked the branch with a knife.
- Someone tried to hack my email account.
A person who writes boring or low-quality work, especially in media or writing. This use is often insulting.
- The critic called him a hack.
- She dislikes hacks who copy ideas.
Adinary Nuance
Hack is broader and rougher than trick or tip. It often suggests a quick workaround, not a perfect method. In tech, a hack can be clever, but it can also sound unsafe or temporary. For illegal computer access, use hack rather than a neutral word like access or enter.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mẹo
- Spanish
- truco
- Chinese
- 技巧
- Japanese
- 裏技
- Korean
- 꼼수
Etymology
Hack is an old English word. It came from Old English and Middle English forms meaning 'cut roughly' or 'chop'. Later, it gained new senses in computing and as a noun for a crude or quick solution.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is hack a positive or negative word?
- It can be either. A life hack is positive, but hacking into accounts is illegal.
- What's the difference between hack and trick?
- A hack is usually a practical shortcut. A trick is broader and can be playful, clever, or misleading.
- Is hack formal enough for academic writing?
- Usually not for the shortcut meaning. In academic writing, use clearer words like method, solution, or workaround.
- Can hack mean illegal computer access?
- Yes. That is a common modern meaning, and it is often used in news and security contexts.