PEBCAK

What Does PEBCAK Mean in a Text?

PEBCAK means "Problem Exists Between Chair and Keyboard." PEBCAK is another way of saying "human error." It is typically used by IT specialists to state that the software and hardware are all working fine, but the operator (i.e., the user) is a dimwit.

Image for PEBCAK

When I write PEBCAK, I mean this:

meaning of PEBCAK

PEBCAK means "user error."

Summary of Key Points

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

Adults and Teenagers

Examples of PEBCAK in Sentences

Here are examples of PEBCAK being used in conversations:
  • Charlie: Can you have a look at the CFO's printer again? It's still not working
  • Jordan: PEBCAK
  • (In other words: "It's the CFO's fault. The equipment is fine.")
  • Charlie: This grammar checker doesn't work!
  • Jordan: PEBCAK
  • (In other words: "A grammar checker can't fix the amount of errors you generate.")

An Academic Look at PEBCAK

PEBCAK is used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement), which translates best as "The problem exists between the chair and keyboard." Occasionally PEBCAK is used like a noun or an adjective. For example:
  • We have a probable PEBCAK in the Finance Departmentl. Please can you investigate?
  • (Here, PEBCAK is a noun.)
  • It's definitely a PEBCAK issue.
  • (Here, PEBCAK 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 "operator error" instead of PEBCAK.

Example of PEBCAK Used in a Text

PEBCAK
author logo

This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.

Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
  • Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
Please tell us using this form.

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.
gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

0
  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)