glitch

Meaning

Noun

1. A problem affecting function.
2. (informal) An unexpected behavior in an electrical signal, especially if the signal spontaneously returns to expected behavior after a period of time.
3. A bug or an exploit.
4. A genre of experimental electronic music since the 1990s, characterized by a deliberate use of sonic artifacts that would normally be viewed as unwanted noise.
5. A sudden increase in the rotational frequency of a pulsar.

Verb

1. To experience an unexpected, typically intermittent malfunction.
2. To perform an exploit or recreate a bug while playing a video game.

Synonyms

bug

🐛

defect

boo-boo

error

failure

fault

flaw

goof

impairment

imperfection

kink

mar

mishap

shortcoming

slip

snag

wrinkle

ill omen

bad luck

ghost signal

blame

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɡlɪt͡ʃ/

Etymology

Cognate with French: glisser

In summary

Probably from Yiddish גליטש (glitsh), from German glitschig (“slippy”), from glitschen (“to slide, glide, slip”) + -ig (“-y”). Related to gleiten (“glide”). Cognate with French glisser (“to slip, slide, skid”).
Popularized in the 1960s, by the US space program. Attested in 1962 by American astronaut John Glenn, in reference to spikes in electrical current.