1 B2 informal
To cut something in a clumsy, uncontrolled way, making a mess of it.
"He hacked about at the rose bush with his old shears until it looked completely ruined."
separable
hack about
B2 informal separable transitive
To cut or alter something in a rough, careless, or clumsy way; also to interfere with something carelessly.
In plain English
To cut or change something in a rough, messy way without being careful.
What does "hack about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To make rough, careless changes to a piece of writing, code, or creative work.
"The editor hacked about the manuscript so much that the author barely recognised her own story."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a hacking motion in various directions without precision.
Actually means
To cut or change something in a rough, messy way without being careful.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Carries a negative tone, implying carelessness or destructiveness. Used for physical cutting (e.g. plants, wood, text) and for careless editing or interference. 'Hack about' is less common than simply 'hack'.
Words that pair with "hack about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
text manuscript shrub code script document
How to conjugate "hack about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hack about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hacks about
he/she/it
Past simple
hacked about
yesterday
Past participle
hacked about
have + pp
-ing form
hacking about
continuous
Hear "hack about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hack about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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