An interesting article by Bruce Schneier on the definition of a "hacker"…
Schneier on Security: What is a Hacker?
A hacker is someone who thinks outside the box. Its someone who discards conventional wisdom, and does something else instead. Its someone who looks at the edge and wonders whats beyond. Its someone who sees a set of rules and wonders what happens if you dont follow them. A hacker is someone who experiments with the limitations of systems for intellectual curiosity.