Reverse Dictionary: COMPUTER

ADJECTIVES
► ANALOG pert. to the world outside the internet  → 1997 US sl.
► CRUFTY poorly designed, or poorly built  → 1981 US computing sl.
► CYBERPHOBIC reluctant to use computers or the internet  → 1981
► FASCIST ► FASCISTIC descriptive of a computer program with security walls or usage policies that the speaker finds excessive  → 1991 US sl.
► FRIED not working because of a complete hardware failure  → 1981 US computing sl.
► GEDANKEN impractical or poorly designed  → 1983 US computing sl.
► HAIRY complicated  → 1983 US computing sl.
► ILL-BEHAVED said of a computer program that becomes dysfunctional because of repeated error  → 1991 US sl.
► MAGIC complicated or not yet understood  → 1981 US computing sl.
► OBSCURE completely beyond all understanding  → 1991 US computing sl.
► UNINTERESTING subject to being solved with enough time, not requiring creative problem-solving skills; said of a computer problem  → 1991 US sl.

ADVERBS
► AUTOMAGICALLY in an automatic but explanation-defying complicated fashion → 1981 US computing sl.

NOUNS
► ACK a message sent from one system or program to another, acknowledging receipt of a previous message  → 1986 Brit. computer programming usage
► AIRPLANE RULE the belief that simplicity is a virtue  → 1991 US computing sl.
► AMOEBA a Commodore Amiga™ personal computer → 1991 US sl.
► ANKLE BRACELETS the < and > characters on a computer keyboard  → 1991 US sl.
► BACK DOOR a surreptitious way of entering a protected system or website, made possible by a weakness in the system  → 1990 US sl.
► BAGBITER computer equipment or a program that fails, usually intermittently  → 1982 Amer. sl.
► BIG IRON a large, powerful, fast, expensive computer  → 1991 US sl.
► BIT-BUCKET the imaginary place where lost computer data goes  → 2006 US sl. (Bk.)
► BITTY BOX a small computer, esp. a single-tasking-only machine  → 1991 US sl.
► BOAT ANCHOR a useless computer; anything heavy and useless  → 2006 US sl. (Bk.)
► BUG a flaw in a computer program  → 1952 orig. US
► BURIED TREASURE an unexpected and usually poorly written piece of code found in a program  → 1991 US computing sl.
► COMPUTERPHOBIA an intense fear or dislike for computers and things associated with them → 1991 (Bk.)
► CONDOM the plastic bag that protects a 3.5 inch disk  → 1991 US computing sl.
► COOKIE a short line of text added to one’s computer upon accessing a Web site to identify the user  → 1987
► CRASH a total failure of a computer  → 2006 US sl. (Bk.)
► CROCK a computer program that normally functions, but fails if modified at all  → 1983 US sl.
► CYBERATTACK an attempt to damage or disrupt a computer system, or obtain information stores on a computer system, by means of hacking  → 1996
► CYBERCRIME the illegal use of computers and the internet; crime committed by means of computers or the internet  → 1991
► CYBERNOCRACY government or administration by computer, or by those who use computers → 1965
► CYBERPHOBIA fear of or anxiety about computer technology; a reluctance to use computers or, later, the internet → 1981
► CYBERSPEAK jargon relating to computers or the internet  → 1991
► CYBERWAR the use of computer technology to attack an organization, state, etc.  → 1992
► DAISY CHAIN a network architecture in which a single cable connects all nodes  → 1995 US computing sl.
► DEADLY EMBRACE the condition resulting when two processes cannot proceed because each is waiting for another to do something  → 1981 US computing sl.
► DEAD TREE FORMAT paper on which computer output is printed  → 1990 UK sl.
► DINOSAUR any computer that requires raised flooring and a dedicated power source  → 1991 US sl.
► EASTER EGG a message hidden in a computer program’s object code  → 1991 US sl.
► FAN KEY the command key on a Macintosh computer  → 1997 US sl.
► FEEP the beep made by a computer  → 2006 US sl. (Bk.)
► FRITTERWARE computer software that is seductive to users, consumes time, and adds little to functionality  → 1991 US sl.
► GANGBANG the utilization of a large number of computer programmers to create a product in a short period of time  → 1991 US sl.
► HACK MODE while working on or with a computer: a state of complete focus and concentration  → 1991 US sl.
► HACK 1. a solution to a computer problem; an impressive and demanding piece of computer work  → 1981 US sl.
2. a single act of unlawfully invading and exploring another’s computer system by remote means  → 1983 US sl.
► HACKING 1. the unauthorized accessing of computer systems  → 1960 sl., orig. computing usage
2. the use of a computer for the sheer pleasure in computing  → 1970 sl., orig. computing usage
► HAMSTER a discrete piece of computer code that does what it is supposed to do well  → 1991 US sl.
► ICE any computer program designed as a system security scheme  → 1995 US sl.
► IDIOT BOX a computer → 1990 sl.
► KLUDGE ► KLUGE a computer system or program that has been improvised or badly put together  → 1962 sl., orig. US
► MACINTOY an Apple Macintosh™ computer  → 1991 US sl.
► MACINTRASH an Apple Macintosh™ computer  → 1991 US sl.
► MAGGOTBOX  an Apple Macintosh™ computer  → 1991 US sl.
► MOUSE DROPPINGS single pixels on a computer screen that do not reappear when the cursor of the mouse is moved away from the spot  → 1991 US sl.
► NAGWARE free computer software that frequently asks the user to send a voluntary payment for further use  → 1995 US sl.
► NERDVANA the world of computer enthusiasts who surf the Internet every night  → 1995 Can. sl.
► OFF-BY-ONE ERROR any simple and basic error, such as starting at 1 instead of 0  → 1991 US computing sl.
► OHNOSECOND an instant of realization when you have made a mistake in computing  → 2002 UK sl.
► ORPHAN a computer that has been phased out due to technological advances  → 1986 US sl.
► PHILE a computer file intended to assist computer hacking  → 1996 US sl.
► PLAQUE the accumulation of dirt, food particles, etc. beneath the keys of a computer keyboard → 1990 US students’ sl.
► RAIN DANCE an action that is expected to be taken but will likely produce no results  → 1974 US computing sl.
► SAME-DAY SERVICE a lengthy response time  → 1991 US computing sl.
► SANDBOX the research and development  → 1991 US computing sl.
► SIG QUOTE an aphorism automatically included with the user’s formatted signature  → 1991 US computing sl.
► SILLY WALK an absurd procedure that must be followed  → 1991 US computing sl.
► SLOP a built-in margin of error in one direction only  → 1983 US computing sl.
► SNIFFER a computer program that surreptitiously records user passwords and other log-in data  → 1994 US sl.
► SPAM unsolicited electronic mail or text messages sent simultaneously to a number of e-mail addresses or mobile phones  → 21C computing sl.
► TOM a computer; ‘Totally Obedient Moron’  → 1990 US students’ sl.
► TOY a computer system → 1991 US sl.
► TRAP DOOR a computing function that is easily performed but difficult to perform in the inverse; extremely useful in cryptography  → 1991 US sl.
► TROJAN HORSE an intentionally destructive program disguised and sent in benevolent form  → 1991 US computing sl.
► VAPOURWARE a program that is announced well before it is completed and released  → 1991 US computing sl.
► WOMBAT a waste of money, brains, and time  → 1991 US computing sl.
► WORM a program that copies itself from one computer to another in a network, does not destroy data, but can clutter up a system  → 1980 Amer. computing usage
► WORMHOLE an unauthorized way into a computer system  → 1980 Amer.

NOUNS – PERSON
► ALPHA GEEK a person regarded as being very knowledgeable about computers and related technology, esp. the most knowledgeable in a given group or community  → 1993 US sl.
► BEAMER a user of IBM computers; one who is knowledgeable about IBM computers  → 1995 Amer. sl. (Bk.)
► BIG-ENDIAN a person who favours a design for computer hardware in which units of data (as bits within a byte or bytes within a multi-byte data type) are stored or transmitted with the most significant units stored at lower addresses or transmitted first  → 1980
► BIT TWIDDLER a computer operator  → 1974 US sl.
► BITHEAD a high competent computer professional  → 2006 Amer. sl. (Bk.)
► BLACK HAT a person who engages in illegal or malicious hacking, creates or distributes computer viruses, etc.  → 1990
► CHIPHEAD a computer enthusiast  → 1982 Amer. sl.
► CIPHERPUNK ► CYPHERPUNK a person who advocates the use of cryptographic techniques to ensure privacy and anonymity in electronic communications  → 1992
► COMPUTER GEEK a person whose like is centred around computers to the exclusion of all other outlets  → 1991 US sl.
► COMPUTERHOLIC a person who appears to be addicted to computers  → 1977
► COMPUTER NERD a student whose enthusiasm for computers has interfered with the development of a well-rounded personality  → 1985 US sl.
► CYBERBABE a female user of computer technology  → 1996
► CYBER-BULLY an experienced user of computers who intimidates new users  → 1994
► CYBERCHONDRIAC a person who worries irrationally about the condition of his or her computer  → 1993
► CYBERCRIMINAL a person who commits crime using computers or the internet  → 1993
► CYBERCROOK a person who commits crime using computers or the internet  → 1992
► CYBERGEEK a person who is extremely knowledgeable about or interested in computer technology, esp. the internet, often regarded as lacking other interests or knowledge, socially inept, etc. → 1992
► CYBER KID a young person who is a habitual or expert user of computers  → 1987
► CYBERNAUT a computer user or programmer; later, an habitual or expert user of the internet  → 1973
► CYBERPHOBE a person who fears or is anxious about computer technology; a reluctant user of computers or, later, the internet  → 1981
► CYBERPUNK a person who accesses computer networks illegally; a hacker → 1989
► DIGITHEAD a person whose enthusiasm for mathematics or computers is never hidden  → 1994 US sl.
► FEATURE CREATURE a computer programmer who enjoys adding features to programs  → 1991 US sl.
► GEARHEAD a computer programmer  → 1994 US sl. (Bk.)
► GEEK a person who is extremely devoted to and knowledgeable about computers or related technology  → 1983
► GEEK-O-ZOID a student whose devotion to study excludes all other interests or society; hence an unpopular student, someone who is considered too studious; a person obsessed with computers  → 2002 UK sl.
► GURU a computer expert  → 1990 sl.
► GWEEP an overworked computer programmer  → 1990 US sl.
► HACKER 1. a person who uses their skill with computers to try to gain unauthorized access to computer systems  → 1963 sl.
2. a person having a profound appreciation and affection for computers and programming; one who delights in the technical and creative aspect of using a computer  → 1969
► HACKTIVIST a cultural activist and skilled computer-user who invades a corporate website to leave subversive messages  → 2001 UK sl.
► HEDGEHOG a user able to use only one program or computer system  → 1994 US sl. (Bk.)
► HITCHHIKER an authorized person who gains access to a computer system  → 1979 Amer. sl.
► KAHUNA an intelligent and wise practitioner  → 1991 US computing sl.
► MODEM PILOT a PC operator who engages another in simulated aerial combat by modem  → 2006 Amer. (Bk.)
► MODEM RAT a person who scrambles around the Internet or online services  → 1997 (Bk.)
► MOUSE POTATO a person who spends large amounts of leisure time using a computer, esp. surfing the Internet  → 1994
► PEON an ordinary computer user with no special privileges  → 1995 US sl.
► SAMURAI a hacker hired to do legal cracking for legitimate reasons  → 1997 (Bk.)
► SYSOP a person responsible for (assisting in) the day-do-day running of a computer system  → 1983 sl., orig. US
► TECHNOKLUTZ a person ignorant or clumsy where computers are concerned → 1990 US sl.
► TECHNONERD a computer expert or enthusiast → 1990 US sl.
► WANK a person who is logged on to a computer, (usually the Internet or involved in hacking) for a long time  → 1989 US students’ sl.
► WIREHEAD 1. a nearly obsessional computer user → 1980 computing usage
2. a computer hardware specialist → 1991 US sl.
► WIZARD in computing: a person who has specific and detailed expertise → 1983 US sl.
► WHITE HAT a computer hacker who acts with a legal or moral justification → 2001 US sl.

PHRASES
► GARBAGE IN ► GARBAGE OUT used as an admonition to computer users: if you program mistakes into a computer, then an output of rubbish will surely result  → 1976 US sl.

VERBS
► ACK to acknowledge receipt of a message  → 1986 UK computer programmers’ sl.
► ADGER to make an avoidable mistake  → 1991 US computing sl.
► BARF to fail to operate  → 1983 US computing sl.
► CRANK to perform well  → 1991 US computing sl.
► CRASH to stop working  → 2006 US computing sl. (Bk.)
► DEBUG to remove faults from a computer or its software  → 1940 sl.
► DIKE to remove or disable something  → 1991 US computing sl.
► FEEP to make a little beep  → 2006 US computing sl. (Bk.)
► GRONK ► GRONK OUT of a computer: to crash → 2006 US sl. (Bk.)
► GUN to use a computer’s force-quit feature to close a malfunctioning program  → 1983 US sl.
► HACK 1. to tinker with a computer system for pleasure and as a proof of one’s expertise  → 1960 sl.
2. to gain or attempt to gain unlawful access to a proprietary computer system through the use of another computer  → 1983 Amer. sl.
► SNEAKERNET to carry a disk from one computer to another  → 1991 US sl.
► SPAM to send unsolicited electronic mail or text messages simultaneously to a number of e-mail addresses or mobile phones  → 1994 sl.
► WANK ► WHANK to be logged on to a computer for a long time  → 1980 sl.
► ZORCH to move or process quickly  → 1983 US computing sl.