cyberpunk
     n 1: a programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to
          steal or change or destroy information as a form of
          cyber-terrorism [syn: {hacker}, {cyber-terrorist}]
     2: a writer of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of
        an oppressive society dominated by computer technology
     3: a genre of fast-paced science fiction involving oppressive
        futuristic compterized societies
Source: WordNet® 2.0

cyberpunk /si:'ber-puhnk/ n.,adj. [orig. by SF writer Bruce Bethke
   and/or editor Gardner Dozois] A subgenre of SF launched in 1982 by
   William Gibson's epoch-making novel "Neuromancer" (though its roots go
   back through Vernor Vinge's "True Names" (see the {Bibliography} in
   Appendix C) to John Brunner's 1975 novel "The Shockwave Rider").
   Gibson's near-total ignorance of computers and the present-day hacker
   culture enabled him to speculate about the role of computers and hackers
   in the future in ways hackers have since found both irritatingly nai"ve
   and tremendously stimulating. Gibson's work was widely imitated, in
   particular by the short-lived but innovative "Max Headroom" TV series.
   See {cyberspace}, {ice}, {jack in}, {go flatline}.

   Since 1990 or so, popular culture has included a movement or fashion
   trend that calls itself `cyberpunk', associated especially with the
   rave/techno subculture. Hackers have mixed feelings about this. On the
   one hand, self-described cyberpunks too often seem to be shallow
   trendoids in black leather who have substituted enthusiastic blathering
   about technology for actually learning and _doing_ it. Attitude is no
   substitute for competence. On the other hand, at least cyberpunks are
   excited about the right things and properly respectful of hacking talent
   in those who have it. The general consensus is to tolerate them politely
   in hopes that they'll attract people who grow into being true hackers.


Source: The Jargon File