hash
mediuminformal, technical (computing), culinary
Definition
Meaning
A dish of cooked meat that has been chopped into small pieces and recooked, often with potatoes.
1. The symbol #, used in computing and social media (e.g., hashtag). 2. In computing, a function that converts data into a fixed-size string of characters. 3. The act of chopping food into small pieces. 4. A discussion or reworking of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it can refer to food, a symbol, or a computational function. As a verb, it means to chop into small pieces or to discuss something thoroughly (with 'out' or 'over').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the symbol # is called a 'hash' or 'hash sign'; in American English, it is often called a 'pound sign' or 'number sign'. In computing, both varieties use 'hash' for the symbol and the function.
Connotations
In British English, 'hash' as a food might be considered old-fashioned or simple. In American English, the food is also known, but the symbol is more associated with the telephone key.
Frequency
In British English, the symbol is more commonly called 'hash'. In American English, the symbol is more commonly called 'pound' in non-computing contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
hash [noun] (transitive verb)hash out [something] (phrasal verb)hash over [something] (phrasal verb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a hash of something”
- “hash something out”
- “hash over old times”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In business, 'hash out' means to discuss thoroughly to reach an agreement.
Academic
In academic computing, 'hash' refers to a hash function or hash table.
Everyday
In everyday use, 'hash' can refer to the # symbol or a simple food dish.
Technical
In technical contexts, 'hash' is a function that maps data to a fixed-size value.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She began to hash the vegetables for the soup.
- They need to hash out the details of the contract.
American English
- He hashed the potatoes for breakfast.
- Let's hash out our differences.
adjective
British English
- The hashed potatoes were delicious.
- We had a hashed meal.
American English
- She ordered hash browns.
- The hashed meat was tasty.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I ate hash for dinner.
- Press the hash key on the phone.
- She made a hash of the presentation by forgetting her notes.
- The chef will hash the carrots for the stew.
- The team needs to hash out the project timeline before the meeting.
- In programming, a hash function is used for efficient data retrieval.
- After hashing over the contractual clauses, they reached a consensus.
- The cryptographic hash ensures the integrity of the transmitted data.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of chopping meat into a hash: you hack and smash (hash) it into small pieces.
Conceptual Metaphor
Chopping and mixing food (hash) as a metaphor for thorough discussion (hash out) or for creating a unique representation (hash function).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- In Russian, the symbol # is called 'решетка' (grid) or 'знак номера' (number sign), not directly related to the English word 'hash'.
- The food 'hash' does not have a direct equivalent in Russian; it might be translated as 'рагу' (ragout) or 'блюдо из рубленого мяса' (dish of chopped meat).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hash' to mean 'crash' (as in computer crash) is incorrect.
- Confusing 'hash' with 'slash' (/) or 'backslash' (\) is common.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, what is the most common name for the symbol #?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Hash' refers to the symbol #, while 'hashtag' is a word or phrase preceded by the # symbol, used on social media to identify messages on a specific topic.
Yes, as a verb it means to chop food into small pieces or, with 'out' or 'over', to discuss something thoroughly.
Yes, it is very common in computing, referring to a hash function, hash table, or the # symbol (e.g., in hashtags).
It is an idiom meaning to do something badly or to make a mess of it.
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