Crossword Genius

Even dull writers deliver some kicks (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hacks

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'even dull writers' is the definition.
'hacks' can be an answer for 'writers' (hack is a kind of writer). I'm not sure about the 'even dull' bit.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hacks that I've seen before include "Coughs" , "Cuts roughly; bad writers" , "Shack up with lowly journalists" , "kicks on the shin" , "Nags" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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