The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

code grinder
 n.

    1. A suit-wearing minion of the sort hired in legion strength by banks
    and insurance companies to implement payroll packages in RPG and other such
    unspeakable horrors. In its native habitat, the code grinder often removes
    the suit jacket to reveal an underplumage consisting of button-down shirt
    (starch optional) and a tie. In times of dire stress, the sleeves (if long)
    may be rolled up and the tie loosened about half an inch. It seldom helps.
    The code grinder's milieu is about as far from hackerdom as one can get
    and still touch a computer; the term connotes pity. See Real World, suit
    .

    2. Used of or to a hacker, a really serious slur on the person's creative
    ability; connotes a design style characterized by primitive technique,
    rule-boundedness, brute force, and utter lack of imagination.

    Contrast hacker, Real Programmer.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

code grinder

    A suit-wearing minion of the sort hired in
   legion strength by banks and insurance companies in the Real
   World to implement payroll packages in RPG and other such
   unspeakable horrors.  In its native habitat, the code grinder
   often removes the suit jacket to reveal an underplumage
   consisting of button-down shirt (starch optional) and a tie.
   In times of dire stress, the sleeves (if long) may be rolled
   up and the tie loosened about half an inch.  It seldom helps.
   The code grinder's milieu is about as far from hackerdom as
   one can get and still touch a computer; the term connotes
   pity.

   Used of or to a hacker, this term is a really serious slur
   on the person's creative ability; it connotes a design style
   characterised by primitive technique, rule-boundedness, brute
   force and utter lack of imagination.

   Compare card walloper.  Contrast real programmer.

   [Jargon File]

   (1994-11-11)