Similar to PICNIC, Problem In Chair Not In Computer, PEBKAC is the acronym for Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair . Written PEBCAC, keyboard is replaced with computer . The phrase is often used within tech support (but not mentioned over the phone to the user who called) to refer to troublesome users, identifying them as the source of the problem. Supposedly some users have ignorantly but helpfully told each level of tech support that the previous level suspected a PEBKAC error.

An example would be the often-used tech support horror story describing a frazzled woman who calls complaining her coffee-holder is broken—which is actually the CD-ROM drive tray.

=See also=