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Gremlin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gremlin

[ˈɡrɛm.lɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mythical creature

A gremlin is a mythical creature often depicted as mischievous and causing malfunctions in machinery. They are typically portrayed as small and impish, sometimes with a whimsical appearance. The term is commonly associated with the idea of gremlins sabotaging aircraft during World War II.

Synonyms

goblin, imp, sprite.

Examples of usage

  • The aircraft experienced issues, and the pilots joked that it was the work of gremlins.
  • In the movie, the gremlins wreak havoc after being fed after midnight.
  • Old mechanics often blamed gremlins for unexplained machine breakdowns.
Context #2 | Noun

technical jargon

In technical contexts, 'gremlin' can refer to a problem or glitch that is difficult to identify or troubleshoot. It describes issues that seem to occur without any clear cause, often frustrating technicians.

Synonyms

bug, error, glitch.

Examples of usage

  • The computer has a gremlin that crashes it randomly.
  • Finding the software gremlin took hours of debugging.
  • She finally identified the gremlin that was causing the network failure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'gremlin'

The word 'gremlin' is thought to have originated during World War II, used by Royal Air Force pilots to describe mysterious mechanical failures. Its first recorded usage was in 1941, and while the exact origin is uncertain, it may have been influenced by the old English term 'gremian', which means to vex or inflict harm. Gremlins became popular in folklore during the 20th century, often depicted as small creatures responsible for sabotaging military planes. The concept gained further popularity in culture through various forms of media, especially films and cartoons, showcasing gremlins as mischievous beings. Over time, the term expanded beyond its original context, now often used informally to describe any unexplained problem, particularly in technology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,581, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.