The word 'hack' is getting used for absolutely everything now

I overheard someone at the grocery store yesterday say they have a 'life hack' for opening a bag of chips faster. Found a blog post breaking down how the term spread from tech to household tips in under 5 years, which makes sense given I see it on every other YouTube thumbnail now. Has anyone else noticed it losing all real meaning?

2 comments

2 Comments

dianal946h ago

I read a study that said "hack" shows up in 40% more online headlines now than it did in 2018. It used to mean something clever with code, not flipping your toothpaste tube over. Kinda feels like the word got watered down so fast we barely noticed.

jamesfox5h ago

The study you mentioned explains exactly why I saw 'kitchen hack' on a cleaning spray bottle yesterday.