Script Kiddie
Noun · Pejorative · Hacker Culture · Origin: 1990
Definitions
A person who uses pre-written hacking tools and scripts without understanding how they work. The term is deeply derogatory in hacker culture, implying a lack of genuine technical knowledge or creative ability.
In plain English: Someone who uses hacking tools made by others without actually understanding what they do — looked down on in the hacker community.
Etymology
- c. 1990
- Experienced hackers on BBSes and IRC coin 'script kiddie' (sometimes 'skiddie') to mock novices who run exploits they don't understand
- 2000
- Mafiaboy's DDoS spree exemplifies the script kiddie threat — a teenager using pre-built tools causes billions in damage
- 2010s
- The rise of Metasploit and Kali Linux blurs the line, as professional pentesters use many of the same point-and-click tools