Hack
The word Hack has joined the list of words whose meaning has changed for the convenience of a group/culture who choose to indulge in the expanded meaning of the word. Standard definitions of the word hack vary from: “to cut or chop with repeated and irregular blows to “, “a horse used for riding or driving; hackney (first known use 1672)”, “a worn-out horse for hire; jade; “one who undertakes unpleasant or distasteful tasks for money or reward.”
Typically, hack means something negative, something you don’t want to be a victim of. ….a hack into your bank account, your social media account, computer, home security system or a massive security breach of a Fortune 500 company.
Hack has replaced the word shortcut. It means an easy fix, a creative/easier way of doing something, or a new positive solution to a problem. Television shows advertise that they have the most current “hacks” which are really shortcuts to completing a task or remedies to common problems. There are hacks for the kitchen, the closet, cooking, etc. Why not just stay with the word “shortcut”…. I guess it is one syllable too many for some people. Anything that is a shortcut can now also be called a hack. The generation you are in might determine whether you use the standard definition of hack or the new expanded version.
The use of hack in place of shortcut blurs the line of communication, promotes acceptance of quasi-violent terminology and feeds the existing proliferation of violence in America. The word dope, which was discussed in an earlier post, is similar. The original meaning of dope is a stupid personality or something you don’t want to consume. Dope has replaced the slang term, “cool”.
Most people are not aware of the true impact of what their choice of words does to the psyche of the user and the person they are speaking to. The changing meaning of certain words can also have a subliminal effect on the mind.