Past tense of hack; gained unauthorized access to computer systems, or cut roughly with heavy blows.
From Middle English hakken, related to Old English haccian (to hack, chop). The computing sense emerged in 1960s at MIT, where 'hack' meant an elegant programming solution. By 1980s, it acquired the negative connotation of unauthorized access.
The word 'hack' underwent a remarkable transformation from describing rough chopping to elegant problem-solving, then to criminal activity. Early computer 'hackers' were celebrated innovators - the negative meaning only emerged when media coverage focused on malicious activities rather than creative programming.
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