脚本小子（script kiddie）是一个贬义词，用来描述以「黑客」自居并沾沾自喜的初学者。脚本小子不像真正的黑客那样发现系统漏洞，他们通常使用别人开发的进程来恶意破坏他人系统。通常的刻板印象为一位没有专科经验的少年，破坏无辜网站企图使得他的朋友感到惊讶，因而称之为脚本小子。

脚本小子常常从某些网站上复制脚本代码，然后到处粘贴，却并不一定明白他们的方法与原理。他们钦慕于黑客的能力与探索精神，但与黑客所不同的是，脚本小子通常只是对计算机系统有基础了解与爱好，但并不注重进程语言、算法和数据结构的研究，虽然这些对于真正的黑客来说是必须具备的素质。

In programming and hacking culture, a script kiddie or skiddie (also known as skid and script bunny, the term script kitty is not valid in this context) is an unskilled individual who uses scripts or programs developed by others to attack computer systems and networks and deface websites. It is generally assumed that script kiddies are juveniles who lack the ability to write sophisticated programs or exploits on their own and that their objective is to try to impress their friends or gain credit in computer-enthusiast communities. However, the term does not relate to the actual age of the participant. The term is generally considered to be pejorative.