blinkenlights

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Mock German from blink and lights; see the Wikipedia article for history.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • Audio (UK)(file)

Noun[edit]

blinkenlights pl (plural only)

  1. (computing, slang) The flashing lights on an electronic device such as a modem, router, or network hub (originally the front-panel lights on old computers).
    • 2007, Charles Stross, The Merchants' War:
      The back of the NIRT truck was crowded with consoles and flashing panels of blinkenlights, battered laptops plastered with security inventory stickers...
    • 2011, Charlie Sorrel, "LightDims: Tiny Sunglasses for Blinkenlights", Wired
      I am talking about — of course — LED blinkenlights, the usually-blue glowing pimples that pepper routers, speakers, computers and even USB hubs.
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