PEBCAC

What Does PEBCAC Mean?

PEBCAC means "Problem Exists Between Chair and Computer." PEBCAC is another way of saying "human error." It is typically used by IT professionals to declare that the hardware and software are all working fine, but the operator (i.e., the user) is an idiot.

Image for PEBCAC

When I write PEBCAC, I mean this: meaning of PEBCAC PEBCAC means "user error."

Summary of Key Points

"Problem Exists Between Chair and Computer" is the most common definition for PEBCAC on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
PEBCAC
Definition:Problem Exists Between Chair and Computer
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 3
3: Guessable
Typical Users:typical user
Adults and Teenagers

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Examples of PEBCAC in Sentences

Here are examples of PEBCAC being used in conversations:
  • Charlie: My monitor won't work on my computer.
  • Jordan: PEBCAC. Try switching the monitor on.
    • (In other words: "It is the user's fault. The monitor is fine.")
  • Charlie: Stupid computer! All my icons have become really big on the desktop.
  • Jordan: PEBCAC. You have probably clicked something in settings by mistake.
    • (In other words: "It is not the computer that is the problem. It is you.")

An Academic Look at PEBCAC

PEBCAC is used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement), which translates best as "The problem exists between the chair and the computer." Occasionally PEBCAC is used like a noun or an adjective. For example:
  • That is definitely a PEBCAC. Don't blame the computer.
    • (Here, PEBCAC is a noun.)
  • This is a PEBCAC issue.
    • (Here, PEBCAC is an adjective.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "human error" or instead of PEBCAC.

Example of PEBCAC Used in a Text

PEBCAC

"Cyber Speak" Test

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See Also

EBCAK (error between chair and keyboard) PEBCAK (problem exists between chair and keyboard) PEBKAC (problem exists between keyboard and chair) PICNIC (problem in chair not in computer) WIYP (what is your problem?) WYP (what's your problem?)