Etymology is great. Here are the top three definitions of the word “hack” in its verb form:
- to cut or sever with repeated irregular or unskillful blows
- to cut or shape by or as if by crude or ruthless strokes
- ANNOY, VEX
It can serve as a noun or an adjective as well–a short dry cough for instance, or the descriptor of someone who does something poorly and purely for commercial gain.
All in all, a very useful word, and overwhelmingly negative in its connotations. But at some point someone began to use it positively in the context of computer programming (because of course), and from there it made its way into the common vernacular as a sort of shortcut to a desired outcome.
But the clue is right there with all the other definitions. Maybe there are hacks to financial success, but in my experience they are almost never a shortcut that actually works and in most cases bear a strong resemblance to cutting or severing with repeated irregular or unskillful blows.
So don’t be a hack, don’t pay a hack, don’t try any hacks, don’t hack down any trees. Just leave hack out of it altogether.
Meaningful Returns 