|
Dictionaries
- WordNet
- Jargon File
- Computing Dictionary
- Moby Thesaurus
|
Created by
www.noamnet.com
|
 Definitions for cyberpunk: WordNet (r) 2.0
: cyberpunk
n 1: a programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to
steal or change or destroy information as a form of
cyber-terrorism [syn: hacker, {cyber-terrorist}]
2: a writer of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of
an oppressive society dominated by computer technology
3: a genre of fast-paced science fiction involving oppressive
futuristic compterized societies
Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001)
: cyberpunk /si:'ber-puhnk/ n.,adj. [orig. by SF writer Bruce Bethke
and/or editor Gardner Dozois] A subgenre of SF launched in 1982 by
William Gibson's epoch-making novel "Neuromancer" (though its roots go
back through Vernor Vinge's "True Names" (see the Bibliography in
Appendix C) to John Brunner's 1975 novel "The Shockwave Rider").
Gibson's near-total ignorance of computers and the present-day hacker
culture enabled him to speculate about the role of computers and hackers
in the future in ways hackers have since found both irritatingly nai"ve
and tremendously stimulating. Gibson's work was widely imitated, in
particular by the short-lived but innovative "Max Headroom" TV series.
See cyberspace, ice, jack in, go flatline.
Since 1990 or so, popular culture has included a movement or fashion
trend that calls itself `cyberpunk', associated especially with the
rave/techno subculture. Hackers have mixed feelings about this. On the
one hand, self-described cyberpunks too often seem to be shallow
trendoids in black leather who have substituted enthusiastic blathering
about technology for actually learning and _doing_ it. Attitude is no
substitute for competence. On the other hand, at least cyberpunks are
excited about the right things and properly respectful of hacking talent
in those who have it. The general consensus is to tolerate them politely
in hopes that they'll attract people who grow into being true hackers.
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)
: cyberpunk
/si:'ber-puhnk/ (Originally coined by SF writer Bruce Bethke
and/or editor Gardner Dozois) A subgenre of SF launched in
1982 by William Gibson's epoch-making novel "Neuromancer"
(though its roots go back through Vernor Vinge's "True Names"
to John Brunner's 1975 novel "The Shockwave Rider"). Gibson's
near-total ignorance of computers and the present-day hacker
culture enabled him to speculate about the role of computers
and hackers in the future in ways hackers have since found
both irritatingly na"ive and tremendously stimulating.
Gibson's work was widely imitated, in particular by the
short-lived but innovative "Max Headroom" TV series. See
cyberspace, ice, jack in, go flatline.
Since 1990 or so, popular culture has included a movement or
fashion trend that calls itself "cyberpunk", associated
especially with the rave/techno subculture. Hackers have
mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, self-described
cyberpunks too often seem to be shallow trendoids in black
leather who have substituted enthusiastic blathering about
technology for actually learning and *doing* it. Attitude is
no substitute for competence. On the other hand, at least
cyberpunks are excited about the right things and properly
respectful of hacking talent in those who have it. The
general consensus is to tolerate them politely in hopes that
they'll attract people who grow into being true hackers.
[Jargon File]
Related SitesSee also Cyberpunk is a science fiction genre noted for its focus on "high tech and low life". The name is a portmanteau of cybernetics and punk and was originally coined by Bruce Bethke as the...
cyberpunk: Definition from Answers.com cyberpunk ( ) n. Fast-paced science fiction involving futuristic computer-based societies. cyberpunk cy ' berpunk '
cyberpunk: Definition from Answers.com cyberpunk ( n. ) 1. [ cyber netics + punk ] a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the effects on society and individuals of advanced computer
|