gremlin
/ˈɡɹɛmlən/ noun C2- An imaginary creature reputed to be mischievously inclined, for example, to damage or dismantle machinery.
- Any mysterious, unknown source of mischief or trouble, or the problem created thereby. · We rechecked everything, and we suspect gremlins in the database.
- A young, inexperienced surfer or skateboarder, regarded as a nuisance.
- A person regarded as similar to a fictional gremlin, in particular: mischievous, troublesome, short, or annoying.
Plural gremlins
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