Informal Tech Vocab

Watching many episodes of a TV show one after another in a short period of time

We spent the whole weekend binge-watching that new series on Netflix.

To accidentally make your phone completely stop working, usually after a failed software update or incorrect settings change

I tried to install unofficial software and completely bricked my phone — now it won't even turn on.

When a video or audio file is loading and pausing because the internet connection is too slow

I couldn't enjoy the movie because it kept buffering every few minutes.

A cheap, prepaid mobile phone that is used temporarily and then thrown away, often to keep your real number private

He used a burner phone during his trip so he wouldn't have to pay international fees.

Online content with a shocking or exciting title designed to trick people into clicking on it, even if the content is not interesting or true

The headline was pure clickbait — the article had nothing to do with what it promised.

Describes technology or software that is awkward, slow, or difficult to use

The school's online system is really clunky — it takes forever to find anything.

A period of time when a person chooses to stop using phones, computers, and social media to rest and reduce stress

She went on a digital detox during her vacation and felt much more relaxed afterward.

To spend a long time scrolling through bad or upsetting news on your phone or computer, even though it makes you feel worse

I stayed up until midnight doomscrolling through news about the disaster.

When someone suddenly stops all contact with you and ignores your messages without any explanation

We went on two great dates, but then he ghosted me and never replied again.

Describes technology that has small problems or errors and does not work correctly

My laptop has been really glitchy lately — it keeps freezing for no reason.

To become deeply involved in something online, following links or videos one after another and losing track of time

I searched for one cooking tip and went down a rabbit hole watching videos for three hours.

A voice command used to activate Apple's virtual assistant called Siri on iPhones and other Apple devices

She said 'Hey Siri, set a timer for ten minutes' while her hands were busy cooking.

Describes something that is easy to understand and use without needing instructions

The app is very intuitive, so even young children can use it without any help.

When someone has seen and opened your message but has not replied to it

I texted him three times but he left me on read, so I don't know if he's angry with me.

A person who reads posts and watches content online but never comments, likes, or participates

I'm a lurker on that cooking forum — I read everything but never post anything.

When your phone is receiving a very large number of alerts or messages in a short time

After she posted that funny video, her notifications were blowing up all night.

Describes a device that works immediately when you connect it, without needing any complicated setup or installation

The new keyboard was plug and play, so I just connected it and started typing right away.

Describes a person who has difficulty understanding or using technology and modern devices

My grandmother says she is tech illiterate, so I help her video call our family.

A person who posts rude, offensive, or upsetting comments online on purpose to make other people angry

Don't respond to that troll — he just wants to start an argument in the comments.