Gremlin

A gremlin is often described as a mischievous, imaginary creature that is known for causing malfunctions and problems in machinery or technology. Originating from folklore, particularly among British RAF pilots during World War II, gremlins are typically depicted as small, troublesome beings that thrive on chaos and disorder. Their antics can range from harmless pranks to significant disruptions, ultimately making them symbols of unexpected difficulties or glitches in various contexts.

Gremlin meaning with examples

• When the airplane experienced mechanical issues mid-flight, the crew joked that a gremlin was responsible for tampering with the controls. The light-hearted banter helped ease the tension among the passengers, who were nervous about the unexpected turbulence. This playful acknowledgment of a mythical creature served to highlight the frustrations engineers face while debugging complex systems.
• During the summer carnival, the organizers claimed that a gremlin had sabotaged the cotton candy machine. After nearly an hour of the machine sputtering and failing to produce any sweet treats, the staff resorted to fixing it, sparking laughter and camaraderie among the attendees. The tale of the gremlin added a whimsical touch to the event, making it memorable for everyone involved.
• While trying to fix her computer, Angela muttered that a gremlin must have invaded her file system, causing all her documents to mysteriously vanish. Frustrated yet amused, she recalled how her colleague once joked about how gremlins seem to lurk around any workplace technology. Although it was a serious situation, the reference helped lighten her mood during a stressful day.
• As Kevin attempted to assemble his new gadget, he dubbed the confusing instructions a 'gremlin's puzzle.' Faced with what seemed like random steps and misnumbered parts, Kevin found himself chuckling at the absurdity of it all. His use of the whimsical term reflected his sense of humor, reminding him not to take the technical challenges too seriously.