How Do You Spell HACK?

Pronunciation: [hˈak] (IPA)

The word "hack" has a curious spelling, with the "a" and "ck" creating unexpected sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /hæk/, with the "a" pronounced as a short "a" sound and the "ck" representing the hard "k" sound. This spelling may seem unusual to English language learners, but it is consistent with other words containing the "ack" letter combination, such as "back" and "pack." Overall, the spelling of "hack" reinforces the importance of learning phonetics and understanding how sounds are represented in written language.

HACK Meaning and Definition

  1. Hack (noun):

    1. A skillful or clever solution to a problem, often involving unconventional methods, shortcuts, or improvised tools. It refers to a creative technique or shortcut to achieve a particular goal, commonly found in fields such as computer programming, life hacks, or product improvisation. For example, a coding hack may involve a simple workaround to solve a programming issue efficiently.

    2. A person who possesses exceptional technical skills or expertise in a particular field, especially in the realm of computers or technology. Often used in reference to talented programmers or computer hackers who possess advanced knowledge and abilities to exploit or manipulate computer systems.

    Hack (verb):

    1. To engage in unauthorized access or the act of compromising computer systems or networks, often with malicious intent. Hacking generally refers to the illegal act of breaching security measures, stealing data, or launching cyber-attacks on computers or computer networks.

    2. To modify or alter a system or product to achieve specific objectives or improve performance, usually through unconventional or unauthorized means. This use of hacking is typically seen in software or hardware modifications made by enthusiasts or tinkerers to enhance functionality or explore new possibilities.

    3. To cope with or handle a difficult or complex situation skillfully or effectively, often involving unconventional or imaginative methods. This usage is commonly found in phrases like "hacking it" or "hacking through," indicating the ability to navigate through challenging circumstances successfully.

  2. • a horse kept for hire
    • A horse kept for hire; a horse kept for all kinds of work, or for ordinary use; anything or person overworked on hire; a drudge; anything much used.
    • A notch or cut made by the blow of an instrument.
    • To cut or chop with repeated strokes; to mangle; to notch; to cough in a short broken manner.
    • An instr. for catching fish; a bend in a stream; a rack for holding fodder.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HACK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HACK

Etymology of HACK

The word "hack" has a varied etymology depending on its usage. Here are a few of the most common origins:

1. Computer Hacking:

The term "hack" in the context of computer hacking is believed to have originated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the 1950s. It was used to describe programmers who found clever and innovative ways to modify or improve the existing computer systems. The word "hackers" in this sense was initially seen as a positive term. It later evolved to describe individuals who gained unauthorized access to computer systems, leading to a more negative connotation.

2. Chop or Cut:

The word "hack" can also be traced back to the Old English word "haccian" or "haccan", meaning "to chop" or "to cut roughly".

Idioms with the word HACK

  • hack sth up The idiom "hack something up" means to cut or chop something, often in a rough or untidy manner. It can also refer to hacking or coughing forcefully to clear something from the throat or chest.
  • hack sth off The idiom "hack sth off" means to cut or remove something forcefully or roughly, usually using a hacking or chopping motion. It often implies a lack of precision or finesse in the way something is removed.
  • hack sth The idiom "hack sth" can have multiple definitions depending on the context: 1. To hack something (e.g., a computer system or network) means to gain unauthorized access, usually for malicious purposes such as stealing personal information or disrupting the system's functionality. Example: The company's servers were hacked, and customer data was compromised. 2. To hack something can also mean to find a creative or unconventional solution to a problem, often by using available resources in a clever way. Example: I had to hack my way into fixing the broken machine using duct tape and a paperclip. 3. In the context of programming or software development, to hack something refers to writing or modifying code quickly and haphazardly to achieve a specific outcome
  • hack sm (off) The idiom "hack sm (off)" refers to forcefully or roughly cutting something off, typically with strong and quick movements. It suggests a lack of finesse or care in the process of removing or severing something. This phrase is often used figuratively to describe an abrupt or aggressive action.
  • hack it The idiom "hack it" generally means to cope with or manage a situation, task, or problem, often with difficulty. It implies pushing through challenges, finding creative or unconventional solutions, and ultimately succeeding despite obstacles.
  • hack off The idiom "hack off" typically means to annoy, anger, or irritate someone.
  • hack out The definition of the idiom "hack out" is to write or produce something quickly and without much thought or effort. It is often used to describe the act of creating or completing something in a hasty or rough manner.
  • hack up The idiom "hack up" typically means to cough or clear the throat forcefully, often with a loud or muffled sound. It can also refer to cutting or chopping something violently or aggressively.
  • hack someone (off) The idiom "hack someone off" means to greatly annoy or irritate someone. It refers to actions or behaviors that generate frustration, anger, or resentment in another person.
  • hack sth down The idiom "hack sth down" refers to the act of cutting or chopping something, typically with a sharp instrument or tool, in a forceful or rough manner. It usually implies a rough and aggressive approach to reducing the size or removing unwanted parts of something, such as plants, trees, or other objects.
  • can't hack it The idiom "can't hack it" means being unable to handle or cope with a particular situation, task, or challenge. It implies lacking the necessary skills, abilities, or mental/emotional strength to succeed or endure.
  • hack apart The idiom "hack apart" means to dismantle, destroy, or disassemble something, usually in a rough or brute force manner. It suggests a violent, hasty, or aggressive approach to taking apart something, often resulting in damage or a lack of precision.
  • hack (away) at someone or something The idiom "hack (away) at someone or something" can be defined as repeatedly and aggressively striking or attacking someone or something, usually with a hacking or chopping motion. It signifies persistent, forceful efforts in dealing with a particular situation or problem. It can be used metaphorically to describe the intense and determined nature of an action, often indicating a struggle or challenge.
  • not hack it The idiom "not hack it" means to be unable to meet a certain requirement, standard, or expectation. It suggests that someone or something falls short or fails to achieve the desired level of success or competence.
  • hack something to something The idiom "hack something to something" generally refers to modifying or altering something in a clever or creative way to achieve a desired outcome or result. It often involves finding innovative solutions, shortcuts, or workarounds. The term "hack" in this context does not imply illegal activities or compromising security but rather signifies a non-conventional approach to problem-solving.
  • hack something off The idiom "hack something off" means to cut or remove something roughly or forcefully, often with quick and aggressive movements. It implies using a hacking or chopping motion to sever or separate something from its original position.
  • hack sth out of sth The idiom "hack something out of something" means to produce or create something, typically with great effort or difficulty. It implies using forceful or rough methods to achieve the desired outcome.
  • hack way through The idiom "hack (one's) way through" refers to a determined effort to overcome obstacles or difficulties by using forceful or unconventional methods. It implies a resourceful or unrefined approach to solve problems or achieve goals, often without adhering to established rules or norms.
  • hack something out of something The idiom "hack something out of something" generally means to extract or obtain something by using unconventional or forceful measures, often implying a lack of skill or finesse. It can refer to physically cutting or chopping something out of a larger object or to figuratively obtaining or achieving something through determined but rough methods.
  • hack something down The idiom "hack something down" typically means to cut or chop something forcefully and vigorously, usually with a hacking or chopping motion. It can be used in a literal sense to describe physically cutting down vegetation or trees, or in a figurative sense to describe forcefully eliminating or reducing something, such as obstacles, problems, or expenses.
  • hack something up The idiom "hack something up" refers to the act of cutting or chopping something into pieces roughly and carelessly. It can also figuratively mean to speak or write something in a disorganized or hasty manner, often resulting in a poorly constructed or unclear outcome.
  • hack something The idiom "hack something" typically refers to finding a clever or unconventional solution to a problem, often involving using resources in an improvised or innovative way. It can also mean to tamper or modify something, typically technology or systems, with a specific goal in mind.
  • hack (away) at sm or sth The idiom "hack (away) at someone or something" refers to making repeated and vigorous attempts to accomplish or overcome something, often facing obstacles or difficulty. It implies persistent effort despite challenges or setbacks.
  • hack around The idiom "hack around" can be defined as finding unconventional or temporary solutions to a problem, often by using creative or non-standard methods. It typically involves a quick and rough approach to accomplish a task, especially when faced with limited resources or time constraints.
  • hack one's way through sth The idiom "hack one's way through something" means to progress or move forward through a difficult or challenging situation by using persistent effort, ingenuity, or unconventional methods to achieve a desired outcome. It implies that the path or task is obstructed or complex, requiring determination and resourcefulness to navigate successfully.
  • hack away The idiom "hack away" typically means to persistently or vigorously work on something, often with determination and effort, despite difficulties or obstacles. It can also refer to continuously and strenuously cutting or chopping something.
  • hack someone or something apart The idiom "hack someone or something apart" refers to the act of mangling or severely damaging a person or object. It is often used metaphorically to describe the destruction or dismantling of something, typically in a violent or brutal manner.
  • hack sm or sth apart The idiom "hack something apart" means to cut something into pieces or to destroy it violently and haphazardly. It implies a rough and aggressive manner of dismantling or disassembling something. It can also be used figuratively to describe harsh criticism or analysis that breaks down an argument or idea in a brutal and uncompromising way.
  • hack one's way through something The idiom "hack one's way through something" means to advance or make progress through a difficult situation, task, or obstacle by using determination, perseverance, or creative problem-solving. It often implies a sense of struggle or effort required to overcome challenges or achieve a goal. The phrase draws from the literal act of hacking or cutting through thick vegetation or obstacles in order to clear a path.
  • hack sth to sth

Similar spelling words for HACK

Plural form of HACK is HACKS

Conjugate verb Hack

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hacked
you would have hacked
he/she/it would have hacked
we would have hacked
they would have hacked
I would have hack
you would have hack
he/she/it would have hack
we would have hack
they would have hack

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been hacking
you would have been hacking
he/she/it would have been hacking
we would have been hacking
they would have been hacking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would hack
you would hack
he/she/it would hack
we would hack
they would hack

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be hacking
you would be hacking
he/she/it would be hacking
we would be hacking
they would be hacking

FUTURE

I will hack
you will hack
he/she/it will hack
we will hack
they will hack

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be hacking
you will be hacking
he/she/it will be hacking
we will be hacking
they will be hacking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hacked
you will have hacked
he/she/it will have hacked
we will have hacked
they will have hacked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been hacking
you will have been hacking
he/she/it will have been hacking
we will have been hacking
they will have been hacking

IMPERATIVE

you hack
we let´s hack

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hack

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was hacking
you were hacking
he/she/it was hacking
we were hacking
they were hacking

PAST PARTICIPLE

hacked

PAST PERFECT

I had hacked
you had hacked
he/she/it had hacked
we had hacked
they had hacked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been hacking
you had been hacking
he/she/it had been hacking
we had been hacking
they had been hacking

PRESENT

I hack
you hack
he/she/it hacks
we hack
they hack

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am hacking
you are hacking
he/she/it is hacking
we are hacking
they are hacking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hacking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hacked
you have hacked
he/she/it has hacked
we have hacked
they have hacked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hacking
you have been hacking
he/she/it has been hacking
we have been hacking
they have been hacking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hack

SIMPLE PAST

I hacked
you hacked
he/she/it hacked
we hacked
they hacked

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