Gremlin
noun
A gremlin is a small, imaginary creature that is believed to cause problems or damage to machines, often in a humorous way.
Many technicians joke that a gremlin has entered the computer when it malfunction starts.

Usage tips
Neutral
mischievous gremlin, mechanical gremlin, engineering gremlin
noun
A term used in some contexts to refer to an imagined cause of trouble, often in technology or complex processes.
There’s a gremlin in the system that’s causing these errors.

Usage tips
Neutral
software gremlin, network gremlin, process gremlin
noun
A gremlin is a small, imaginary creature that is believed to cause problems or damage to machines, often in a humorous way.
Many technicians joke that a gremlin has entered the computer when it malfunction starts.

Usage tips
Neutral
mischievous gremlin, mechanical gremlin, engineering gremlin
noun
A term used in some contexts to refer to an imagined cause of trouble, often in technology or complex processes.
There’s a gremlin in the system that’s causing these errors.

Usage tips
Neutral
software gremlin, network gremlin, process gremlin
Definition 1 of 2

Humor
Using 'gremlin' in a light-hearted context can showcase a playful approach to problems.
The car had a gremlin in it, causing strange noises.
Technical jargon
In engineering, 'gremlin' is often used to describe elusive malfunctions.
The software had a gremlin that took hours to find.
Cultural reference
'Gremlin' can evoke nostalgia, reminding us of films featuring these creatures, thus adding depth to conversations.
I always think of the film when something goes wrong.
Humor
Using 'gremlin' in a light-hearted context can showcase a playful approach to problems.
The car had a gremlin in it, causing strange noises.
Technical jargon
In engineering, 'gremlin' is often used to describe elusive malfunctions.
The software had a gremlin that took hours to find.
Cultural reference
'Gremlin' can evoke nostalgia, reminding us of films featuring these creatures, thus adding depth to conversations.
I always think of the film when something goes wrong.
Humor
Using 'gremlin' in a light-hearted context can showcase a playful approach to problems.
The car had a gremlin in it, causing strange noises.
Technical jargon
In engineering, 'gremlin' is often used to describe elusive malfunctions.
The software had a gremlin that took hours to find.
Cultural reference
'Gremlin' can evoke nostalgia, reminding us of films featuring these creatures, thus adding depth to conversations.
I always think of the film when something goes wrong.
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