PEBKAC
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer
| Stands for | Problem exists between keyboard and chair |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
PEBKAC stands for Problem exists between keyboard and chair, a computer abbreviation.
Help-desk joke meaning the fault lies with the user rather than the computer. IT staff use it among themselves for issues such as unplugged cables, a monitor switched off or Caps Lock left on.
Example: Ticket closed: the monitor was switched off at the wall. Classic PEBKAC.
Usage notes
Variants include PEBCAK (problem exists between chair and keyboard), PICNIC and "ID10T error", written so it looks like a technical code. The joke is condescending, and professional support teams avoid it in front of customers. Network engineers have an equivalent, the "layer 8 problem", referring to a nonexistent layer above the seven in the OSI model.
Related abbreviations
More computer abbreviations
- OCR – Optical character recognition
- OMR – Optical mark recognition
- OOBE – Out-of-box experience
- OS – Operating system
- OS/2 – Operating System/2
- PC – Personal computer
- PgDn – Page Down key
- PgUp – Page Up key
- PICNIC – Problem in chair, not in computer
- PnP – Plug and Play
- POSIX – Portable Operating System Interface
- POST – Power-on self-test