Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Y10K bug

Y10K bug

9.9
A possible computer problem when programs cannot use dates after the year 9999
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : error Y10K
  • Experts are concerned that the Y10K bug might cause major issues in date processing for computer systems.

Examples

  • Scientists have speculated about how to prevent the Y10K bug from disrupting future infrastructure.

  • The Y10K bug could disrupt systems worldwide.

  • Discussions about the Y10K bug often highlight how far ahead technology planning can go.

  • The company released a satirical report on their preparedness for the Y10K bug.

  • Experts warn about potential Y10K bugs in future software.

  • Companies should start planning now to address the potential challenges of the Y10K bug in the future.

  • The possibility of the Y10K bug raises questions about our current technology's ability to handle dates far beyond the year 9999.

Surface Forms

Y10K bug singular
Y10K bugs plural

Morphology

Y10K + bug

The phrase is fully compositional: 'Y10K' signals the year 10,000 (following the Y2K-style notation where 'K' = thousand) and 'bug' means a software error, so together they denote a hypothetical error caused by the year 10,000. Although the specific coinage 'Y10K' may be unfamiliar, its formation is predictable from numeric notation and the familiar Y2K pattern, so a learner who knows the constituent parts can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Y10K bug comes from the older Y2K scare and gives a clear picture: imagine computers that store the year with four digits, so the year 10000 would not fit and would cause a bug or 'computer problem'. That's why Y10K bug means a possible future date error when the year reaches 10,000.