I must commend the author on his approach to this age-old (and overdiscussed issue). Of course we're not going to be able to teach people what 'hacker' really means. Instead, it's time for the old hackers to evolve.

Some ideas:

• Key Masher
• Camel Coder
• Monk (aren't we all?)
• Munger

Old stand-bys that seem to get the idea across:

• Geek
• Code-head
• Stack smasher

My advice, pick one and try it out in normal conversation. If anyone laughs hysterically or looks at you askance, chances are it's not gonna fly.

~CubicSpline
"Munger."