code grinder

jargon, abuse A suit-wearing minion of the sort hired in

legion strength by banks and insurance companies in the RealWorld 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, bruteforce and utter lack of imagination.

Compare card walloper. Contrast real programmer.

[Jargon File]

(1994-11-11)