PICNIC and PEBKAC
Categories: Buzzwords, Information TechnologyPosted on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 by Jon Emmons
 
A coworker threw this acronym at me today and I can’t believe I haven’t heard before…
PICNIC - Problem In Chair, Not In Computer.
I’ve always liked the term PEBKAC, which describes the same problem, but I think I may have to adopt PICNIC just because it’s easier to say.
PEBKAC - Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair.
Either of these acronyms describe a problem which despite initially being blamed on a computer/network/server/program is actually caused by the user, often by misuse or a complete lack of understanding of how the software is used. Preferred solution: remove user.


July 24th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Good one!
It’s like with auto mechanics, they like to say “It’s the nut behind the wheel” . . .
July 25th, 2007 at 8:40 am
Also classic is the ID-10-T error…
October 25th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
yeah, or “user conflict”