Source : WordNet®

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 : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

cyberpunk
     
        /si:'ber-puhnk/ (Originally coined 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"
        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 na"ive 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.
     
        [{Jargon File}]