code grinder

code grinder
 n.

   1. A {suit}-wearing minion of the sort hired in legion strength by
   banks and insurance companies to implement payroll packages in RPG and
   other such unspeakable horrors. In its native habitat, the code
   grinder often removes the suit jacket to reveal an underplumage
   consisting of button-down shirt (starch optional) and a tie. In times
   of dire stress, the sleeves (if long) may be rolled up and the tie
   loosened about half an inch. It seldom helps. The {code grinder}'s
   milieu is about as far from hackerdom as one can get and still touch a
   computer; the term connotes pity. See {Real World}, {suit}.

   2. Used of or to a hacker, a really serious slur on the person's
   creative ability; connotes a design style characterized by primitive
   technique, rule-boundedness, {brute force}, and utter lack of
   imagination.

   Contrast {hacker}, {Real Programmer}.
    

code grinder

   <jargon, abuse> A {suit}-wearing minion of the sort hired in
   legion strength by banks and insurance companies in the {Real
   World} to implement payroll packages in {RPG} and other such
   unspeakable horrors.  In its native habitat, the code grinder
   often removes the suit jacket to reveal an underplumage
   consisting of button-down shirt (starch optional) and a tie.
   In times of dire stress, the sleeves (if long) may be rolled
   up and the tie loosened about half an inch.  It seldom helps.
   The {code grinder}'s milieu is about as far from hackerdom as
   one can get and still touch a computer; the term connotes
   pity.

   Used of or to a {hacker}, this term is a really serious slur
   on the person's creative ability; it connotes a design style
   characterised by primitive technique, rule-boundedness, {brute
   force} and utter lack of imagination.

   Compare {card walloper}.  Contrast {real programmer}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1994-11-11)