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from wikipedia, where "hacker definition controversy" redirects to "hacker" which is then defined as:
"any skilled computer expert that uses their technical knowledge to overcome a problem."
hopefully this won't qualify as an interesting definition after a more thorough search.
jargon file appendix a:
"#hacking might be characterized as ‘an appropriate application of ingenuity’. whether the result is a quick-and-dirty patchwork job or a carefully crafted work of art, you have to admire the cleverness that went into it."