[stonemetal12]

> Even "hacker", which started out meaning only breaking into computer systems

No. The Etymology of Hacker in the technical scene started at MIT's Tech Model Railroad Club in the late 1950s/early 1960s, "hack" described clever, intricate solutions, pranks, or experiments with technology.

A hacker is one who made those clever solutions, pranks, and technology experiments. "Hacker News" is trying to take it back from criminal activity.

[crazygringo]

TIL, thanks! Growing up I was only aware of the criminal version -- I didn't realize it grew out of an earlier meaning. I just saw the shift in the tech scene in the 1990s and more broader culturally in the 2000s with "life hacks" and hackathons. What's old is new again...