PEBCAK

What Does PEBCAK Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

PEBCAK means "Problem Exists Between Chair and Keyboard."

More Observations...

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:

PEBCAK means "user error."

Summary of Key Points

"Problem Exists Between Chair and Keyboard" is, by far, the most common meaning for PEBCAK when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

PEBCAK
Definition:	Problem Exists Between Chair and Keyboard
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of PEBCAK in Sentences

Here are examples of PEBCAK 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

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