Definition

1. Noun:
   • A genre of science fiction: "cyberpunk" refers to a specific genre of science fiction that typically features a fast-paced, dystopian future where society is dominated by computer technology and often involves a lawless, gritty subculture.
   • A writer of such fiction: "cyberpunk" can also denote an author who creates stories within this science fiction genre.
   • A computer hacker: In a more specific, modern context, "cyberpunk" can describe a skilled programmer who illegally accesses computer systems to steal, alter, or destroy information, often with an anti-establishment or terrorist motive.

Examples

• Noun (Genre):
  • William Gibson's novel "Neuromancer" is a foundational work of cyberpunk.
  • The film "Blade Runner" has strong cyberpunk aesthetics.
• Noun (Writer):
  • Bruce Sterling is considered a leading cyberpunk.
• Noun (Hacker):
  • The authorities arrested a cyberpunk who breached the bank's security. (Note: This usage is less common than "hacker" in everyday language but exists within the genre's lexicon.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a fusion of "cybernetics" and "punk" attitude, critiquing social control through technology.
• It can be used attributively as an adjective (e.g., , ) to describe elements characteristic of the genre.

Variants and Related Words

• Cyberpunk (adj): Used to describe the style or themes of the genre.
  • The video game has a very cyberpunk feel.
• Cyberpunkish (adj): Resembling the cyberpunk genre (informal).
• Post-cyberpunk: A subgenre that shares themes but often with a less dystopian or more nuanced outlook.

Synonyms

• Sci-fi subgenre: For the literary/film genre.
• Hacker: For the person who breaks into computer systems (this is the more common, non-genre specific term).
• Cracker: A more technical synonym for a malicious hacker.

Related Phrases

• High tech, low life: A common phrase summarizing the core cyberpunk theme of advanced technology coexisting with societal breakdown.
• Console cowboy: A slang term from cyberpunk fiction for a skilled hacker or data thief.

Noun

1. a genre of fast-paced science fiction involving oppressive futuristic computerized societies
2. a writer of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society dominated by computer technology
3. a programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to steal or change or destroy information as a form of cyber-terrorism