(Probably from ad-agency tradetalk, "house freak") A hacker occupying a technical-specialist, R&D, or systems position at a commercial shop. A really efFECtive house wizard can have influence out of all proportion to his/her ostensible rank and still not have to wear a suit. Used especially of Unixwizards. The term "house guru" is equivalent. [Jargon File] (1995-02-16)