Why “Hack” Became A Productivity Buzzword

Everyone loves a hack, but you don’t want to be one.

Photo by Nahel Abdul Hadi on Unsplash

Here are just some of the many definitions of “hack” according to Merriam-Webster.

• to cut or sever with repeated irregular or unskillful blows
• to gain illegal access to
• to cough in a short dry manner
• a tool for rough cutting or chopping
• working for hire especially with mediocre professional standards

By definition “hack” is generally a term for incompetent, inaccurate, sloppy, or illegal behavior. It sort of makes me wonder how it became a positive buzzword in the productivity community.

Imagine reading a headline true to the dictionary definition of the term.

“5 Ways To Hack Your Career— With Repeated Irregular or Unskillful Blows”

It just doesn’t have the same ring.

It is also confusing that it has largely become a positive buzzword while simultaneously retaining its negative characteristics in certain instances. For example:

• You might want to hack your career but you would never hire a hack.
• You could call yourself a life-hacker, but you’d never want to do a hack job.