Short for problem exists between keyboard and chair, PEBKAC is a term used by computer technicians and IT professionals to describe a user error. The term asserts that the user is to blame when referring to the technical issue at hand; not the installed software or the device itself. PEBKAC may be considered a derogatory term as it is usually directed at computer users who have made a mistake.

Example usage

Computer tech #1: “What did you determine to be the cause of that Microsoft Word issue that Jane was having?”

Computer tech #2: “It was just a PEBCAK error. Jane was selecting the wrong menu option.”

Computer acronyms, Computer slang, Human error, ID10T, Keyboard, Layer 8, PICNIC, RTFM

Another similar acronym is PEBCAC, which is short for problem exists between chair and computer. In both situations the problem is describing user error.

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