Can hack at his jigsaw.

Question

Hi all. Id like to know what this expression means in spanish. He can hack at with his jigsaw.

I saw it in this sentence. "When not at his computer, you'll find him reading, cooking, brewing beer, or seeing what he can hack at with his jigsaw."

that's confusing, because -Hack(cut) , dar tajos, cortar -jigsaw: puzzle, rompecabezas.

It doesn't make sense to me.

Thanks a lot for any help.

Good question - it is a slangy, unusual, humorous use of a the verb to-hack. See more below. - rogspax, Sep 30, 2013

Answer 1

You may be confused because it is very slangy, and irreverent. An attempt at self deprecating humor.

Normally, we think of jigsaw cutting as being relatively fine, smooth, precise, and sophisticated, and use the verbs cutting, sawing, or carving for that tool.

Hacking is the verb one uses for an ax, hatchet, sword, or possibly a clumsily and violently wielded knife. You might use it for cutting your way through a jungle (or possibly a snake, zombie, or other opponent)

So, if someone uses hack when speaking of a jigsaw in their bio, I would presume them to be poking light hearted fun at their own abilities, possibly because they are a novice, or possibly because it is a humorous way of being modest.

So, don´t take it too literally. It is not the normal proper way of using the verb, but rather a bit of artistic flair and poetic license.

Good question.

P.S. One hacks at something with the jigsaw, but doesn´t hack at a jigsaw

Great answer! - kirk1, Oct 1, 2013

Thanks a lot for the help! - Haweir, Oct 2, 2013

You´re very welcome! - rogspax, Oct 2, 2013