John Gruber Coins 18 Tech Terms for 2026 Frustrations, From 'Dickover' to 'Hostageware'
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 18
John Gruber Coins 18 Tech Terms for 2026 Frustrations, From 'Dickover' to 'Hostageware'
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 18
Summary
John Gruber introduced 18 new labels for everyday digital annoyances, arguing modern tech has outpaced the language needed to describe how websites, apps and devices frustrate users.
“Dickover” leads the list, describing pop-ups and modal panels that block content, while other terms target AI features forced into products, hard-to-cancel subscriptions and abandoned-cart email chases.
Several coinages focus on automation gone wrong: “chatflattery” for overly agreeable AI, “botiquette” for uncertainty over whether customer-service chats involve humans or bots, and “chattermining” for ads that seem to follow private conversations.
The broader complaint is that convenience tools now create friction of their own—from password rules and parking apps to train wifi, self-checkouts and products that require monthly fees after purchase.