What's the origin of the expression “(can't) hack it”?
Is it only a variation of "(can't) cut it" or does it trace its roots back to another place?
etymology
edited Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
Fattie
9,17422456
asked Sep 26 '17 at 16:45
DanielDaniel
232315
add a comment |
Is it only a variation of "(can't) cut it" or does it trace its roots back to another place?
etymology
edited Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
Fattie
9,17422456
asked Sep 26 '17 at 16:45
DanielDaniel
232315
1
it's astonishing you did not realize that: the image you posted was tremendously too large beyond social norms.
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
It's a phone screenshot. I was in a pinch.
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:13
Copy and paste the definition? Screen readers, i.e. the programme used by many blind or people whose eyesight is severely impaired, do not read images.
– Mari-Lou A
Sep 27 '17 at 10:33
add a comment |
Is it only a variation of "(can't) cut it" or does it trace its roots back to another place?
etymology
edited Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
Fattie
9,17422456
asked Sep 26 '17 at 16:45
DanielDaniel
232315
Is it only a variation of "(can't) cut it" or does it trace its roots back to another place?
etymology
etymology
edited Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
Fattie
9,17422456
asked Sep 26 '17 at 16:45
DanielDaniel
232315
edited Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
Fattie
9,17422456
asked Sep 26 '17 at 16:45
DanielDaniel
232315
edited Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
Fattie
9,17422456
edited Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
Fattie
9,17422456
edited Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
Fattie
9,17422456
9,17422456
asked Sep 26 '17 at 16:45
DanielDaniel
232315
asked Sep 26 '17 at 16:45
DanielDaniel
232315
asked Sep 26 '17 at 16:45
DanielDaniel
232315
232315
1
it's astonishing you did not realize that: the image you posted was tremendously too large beyond social norms.
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
It's a phone screenshot. I was in a pinch.
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:13
Copy and paste the definition? Screen readers, i.e. the programme used by many blind or people whose eyesight is severely impaired, do not read images.
– Mari-Lou A
Sep 27 '17 at 10:33
add a comment |
1
it's astonishing you did not realize that: the image you posted was tremendously too large beyond social norms.
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
It's a phone screenshot. I was in a pinch.
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:13
Copy and paste the definition? Screen readers, i.e. the programme used by many blind or people whose eyesight is severely impaired, do not read images.
– Mari-Lou A
Sep 27 '17 at 10:33
1
1
it's astonishing you did not realize that: the image you posted was tremendously too large beyond social norms.
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
it's astonishing you did not realize that: the image you posted was tremendously too large beyond social norms.
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
It's a phone screenshot. I was in a pinch.
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:13
It's a phone screenshot. I was in a pinch.
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:13
Copy and paste the definition? Screen readers, i.e. the programme used by many blind or people whose eyesight is severely impaired, do not read images.
– Mari-Lou A
Sep 27 '17 at 10:33
Copy and paste the definition? Screen readers, i.e. the programme used by many blind or people whose eyesight is severely impaired, do not read images.
– Mari-Lou A
Sep 27 '17 at 10:33
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
This is just a quick answer:
To be the mustard = to be special (circa 1903)
To cut the mustard = to succeed (1907)
To cut it = to succeed (once the previous idiom was established)
To hack it = to cope (circa 1955)
answered Sep 26 '17 at 18:15
AmIAmI
3,2791617
add a comment |
The expression appears to be an AmE one from the ‘50s. The Phrase Finder suggests a possible derivation from an earlier and even more mysterious expression “can’t cut the musturd” with the same meaning:
Can’t hack it :
- Slang sense of "cope with" (as in can't hack it) is first recorded in American English 1955.
From the Phrase Finder:
The Oxford English Dictionary, after giving the principle uses of "hack", such as chop or chop at, mutilate with jagged strokes, give us this:
d) To cope with, manage, accomplish; to tolerate, accept; to comprehend; freq. to hack it. slang (orig. U.S.):
: 1955 Antioch Rev. XV. 379, I can't hack something like stealing.. .
If, as seems likely, "can't hack it" originated as American slang in the 1940s or '50s, it probably was introduced as a variation on "can't cut it" (with the same meaning). The it in "can't cut it" is the mustard; and the phrase "cut the mustard" is wreathed in mysteries as well.
Also, from dailywritingtips:
- One school of thought is that hack simply derives from an Old High German word that refers to chopping. (A short, sharp cough is also called a hack.) From that meaning, it derived the figurative sense of crudely or ruthlessly working on something and then of simply toiling; by extension, the word was applied to being able or unable to manage or tolerate something: The now-rare expression “You just can’t hack it” expressed this idea.
great answer thanks. (1) "The now-rare expression" what the hell are they talking about? (2) "A short, sharp cough is also called a hack." - why did they add that parenthesis? It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with anything under discussion. Bizarre
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:30
You're saying it's not at all rare, right?
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:14
add a comment |
I think it’s wonderful that you all take the time to type on this page,the definition of HACK IT. Thank you,Kim
answered 19 mins ago
user339589user339589
1
New contributor
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
This is just a quick answer:
To be the mustard = to be special (circa 1903)
To cut the mustard = to succeed (1907)
To cut it = to succeed (once the previous idiom was established)
To hack it = to cope (circa 1955)
answered Sep 26 '17 at 18:15
AmIAmI
3,2791617
add a comment |
This is just a quick answer:
To be the mustard = to be special (circa 1903)
To cut the mustard = to succeed (1907)
To cut it = to succeed (once the previous idiom was established)
To hack it = to cope (circa 1955)
answered Sep 26 '17 at 18:15
AmIAmI
3,2791617
add a comment |
This is just a quick answer:
To be the mustard = to be special (circa 1903)
To cut the mustard = to succeed (1907)
To cut it = to succeed (once the previous idiom was established)
To hack it = to cope (circa 1955)
answered Sep 26 '17 at 18:15
AmIAmI
3,2791617
This is just a quick answer:
To be the mustard = to be special (circa 1903)
To cut the mustard = to succeed (1907)
To cut it = to succeed (once the previous idiom was established)
To hack it = to cope (circa 1955)
answered Sep 26 '17 at 18:15
AmIAmI
3,2791617
answered Sep 26 '17 at 18:15
AmIAmI
3,2791617
answered Sep 26 '17 at 18:15
AmIAmI
3,2791617
answered Sep 26 '17 at 18:15
AmIAmI
3,2791617
3,2791617
add a comment |
add a comment |
The expression appears to be an AmE one from the ‘50s. The Phrase Finder suggests a possible derivation from an earlier and even more mysterious expression “can’t cut the musturd” with the same meaning:
Can’t hack it :
- Slang sense of "cope with" (as in can't hack it) is first recorded in American English 1955.
From the Phrase Finder:
The Oxford English Dictionary, after giving the principle uses of "hack", such as chop or chop at, mutilate with jagged strokes, give us this:
d) To cope with, manage, accomplish; to tolerate, accept; to comprehend; freq. to hack it. slang (orig. U.S.):
: 1955 Antioch Rev. XV. 379, I can't hack something like stealing.. .
If, as seems likely, "can't hack it" originated as American slang in the 1940s or '50s, it probably was introduced as a variation on "can't cut it" (with the same meaning). The it in "can't cut it" is the mustard; and the phrase "cut the mustard" is wreathed in mysteries as well.
Also, from dailywritingtips:
- One school of thought is that hack simply derives from an Old High German word that refers to chopping. (A short, sharp cough is also called a hack.) From that meaning, it derived the figurative sense of crudely or ruthlessly working on something and then of simply toiling; by extension, the word was applied to being able or unable to manage or tolerate something: The now-rare expression “You just can’t hack it” expressed this idea.
great answer thanks. (1) "The now-rare expression" what the hell are they talking about? (2) "A short, sharp cough is also called a hack." - why did they add that parenthesis? It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with anything under discussion. Bizarre
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:30
You're saying it's not at all rare, right?
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:14
add a comment |
The expression appears to be an AmE one from the ‘50s. The Phrase Finder suggests a possible derivation from an earlier and even more mysterious expression “can’t cut the musturd” with the same meaning:
Can’t hack it :
- Slang sense of "cope with" (as in can't hack it) is first recorded in American English 1955.
From the Phrase Finder:
The Oxford English Dictionary, after giving the principle uses of "hack", such as chop or chop at, mutilate with jagged strokes, give us this:
d) To cope with, manage, accomplish; to tolerate, accept; to comprehend; freq. to hack it. slang (orig. U.S.):
: 1955 Antioch Rev. XV. 379, I can't hack something like stealing.. .
If, as seems likely, "can't hack it" originated as American slang in the 1940s or '50s, it probably was introduced as a variation on "can't cut it" (with the same meaning). The it in "can't cut it" is the mustard; and the phrase "cut the mustard" is wreathed in mysteries as well.
Also, from dailywritingtips:
- One school of thought is that hack simply derives from an Old High German word that refers to chopping. (A short, sharp cough is also called a hack.) From that meaning, it derived the figurative sense of crudely or ruthlessly working on something and then of simply toiling; by extension, the word was applied to being able or unable to manage or tolerate something: The now-rare expression “You just can’t hack it” expressed this idea.
great answer thanks. (1) "The now-rare expression" what the hell are they talking about? (2) "A short, sharp cough is also called a hack." - why did they add that parenthesis? It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with anything under discussion. Bizarre
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:30
You're saying it's not at all rare, right?
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:14
add a comment |
The expression appears to be an AmE one from the ‘50s. The Phrase Finder suggests a possible derivation from an earlier and even more mysterious expression “can’t cut the musturd” with the same meaning:
Can’t hack it :
- Slang sense of "cope with" (as in can't hack it) is first recorded in American English 1955.
From the Phrase Finder:
The Oxford English Dictionary, after giving the principle uses of "hack", such as chop or chop at, mutilate with jagged strokes, give us this:
d) To cope with, manage, accomplish; to tolerate, accept; to comprehend; freq. to hack it. slang (orig. U.S.):
: 1955 Antioch Rev. XV. 379, I can't hack something like stealing.. .
If, as seems likely, "can't hack it" originated as American slang in the 1940s or '50s, it probably was introduced as a variation on "can't cut it" (with the same meaning). The it in "can't cut it" is the mustard; and the phrase "cut the mustard" is wreathed in mysteries as well.
Also, from dailywritingtips:
- One school of thought is that hack simply derives from an Old High German word that refers to chopping. (A short, sharp cough is also called a hack.) From that meaning, it derived the figurative sense of crudely or ruthlessly working on something and then of simply toiling; by extension, the word was applied to being able or unable to manage or tolerate something: The now-rare expression “You just can’t hack it” expressed this idea.
The expression appears to be an AmE one from the ‘50s. The Phrase Finder suggests a possible derivation from an earlier and even more mysterious expression “can’t cut the musturd” with the same meaning:
Can’t hack it :
- Slang sense of "cope with" (as in can't hack it) is first recorded in American English 1955.
From the Phrase Finder:
The Oxford English Dictionary, after giving the principle uses of "hack", such as chop or chop at, mutilate with jagged strokes, give us this:
d) To cope with, manage, accomplish; to tolerate, accept; to comprehend; freq. to hack it. slang (orig. U.S.):
: 1955 Antioch Rev. XV. 379, I can't hack something like stealing.. .
If, as seems likely, "can't hack it" originated as American slang in the 1940s or '50s, it probably was introduced as a variation on "can't cut it" (with the same meaning). The it in "can't cut it" is the mustard; and the phrase "cut the mustard" is wreathed in mysteries as well.
Also, from dailywritingtips:
- One school of thought is that hack simply derives from an Old High German word that refers to chopping. (A short, sharp cough is also called a hack.) From that meaning, it derived the figurative sense of crudely or ruthlessly working on something and then of simply toiling; by extension, the word was applied to being able or unable to manage or tolerate something: The now-rare expression “You just can’t hack it” expressed this idea.
edited Sep 27 '17 at 10:15
answered Sep 26 '17 at 19:05
user66974
great answer thanks. (1) "The now-rare expression" what the hell are they talking about? (2) "A short, sharp cough is also called a hack." - why did they add that parenthesis? It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with anything under discussion. Bizarre
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:30
You're saying it's not at all rare, right?
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:14
add a comment |
great answer thanks. (1) "The now-rare expression" what the hell are they talking about? (2) "A short, sharp cough is also called a hack." - why did they add that parenthesis? It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with anything under discussion. Bizarre
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:30
You're saying it's not at all rare, right?
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:14
great answer thanks. (1) "The now-rare expression" what the hell are they talking about? (2) "A short, sharp cough is also called a hack." - why did they add that parenthesis? It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with anything under discussion. Bizarre
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:30
great answer thanks. (1) "The now-rare expression" what the hell are they talking about? (2) "A short, sharp cough is also called a hack." - why did they add that parenthesis? It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with anything under discussion. Bizarre
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:30
You're saying it's not at all rare, right?
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:14
You're saying it's not at all rare, right?
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:14
add a comment |
I think it’s wonderful that you all take the time to type on this page,the definition of HACK IT. Thank you,Kim
answered 19 mins ago
user339589user339589
1
New contributor
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I think it’s wonderful that you all take the time to type on this page,the definition of HACK IT. Thank you,Kim
answered 19 mins ago
user339589user339589
1
New contributor
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I think it’s wonderful that you all take the time to type on this page,the definition of HACK IT. Thank you,Kim
answered 19 mins ago
user339589user339589
1
New contributor
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I think it’s wonderful that you all take the time to type on this page,the definition of HACK IT. Thank you,Kim
answered 19 mins ago
user339589user339589
1
New contributor
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 19 mins ago
user339589user339589
1
New contributor
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 19 mins ago
user339589user339589
1
answered 19 mins ago
user339589user339589
1
1
New contributor
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
user339589 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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1
it's astonishing you did not realize that: the image you posted was tremendously too large beyond social norms.
– Fattie
Sep 26 '17 at 20:29
It's a phone screenshot. I was in a pinch.
– Daniel
Sep 27 '17 at 8:13
Copy and paste the definition? Screen readers, i.e. the programme used by many blind or people whose eyesight is severely impaired, do not read images.
– Mari-Lou A
Sep 27 '17 at 10:33