“Glitch,” a rather ugly but very descriptive word and we all encounter them at various times. In fact we live in a world full of glitches. They are found in virtually every aspect of life but most often the term is used in the computer/electronics industry. So what is a glitch? The dictionary states that a glitch is “a minor malfunction, mishap, or technical problem; a snag." It is usually not a major problem but can sure try the patience.  The Yiddish “glitsh” meaning “a slip, and or lapse” is probably the origin of the word. In the US glitch has become very much a part of our every day speech although it actually is not that old. In 1962 the astronaut, John Glenn was the first to use it when he wrote that glitch was: “a term we adopted to describe some of our problems, literally a glitch is a spike or change in voltage in an electrical current.”  

Since 1962 we have adopted the word glitch to describe everyday malfunctions, mishaps and some annoyances. A virus, sometimes called a “bug,” can cause very nasty, infuriating, major glitches in a computer, one that can cause hours of work.
    
Programming errors in video games can cause such glitches as freezing, inappropriate sounds and actions. There is an actual practice known as “glitching” where a player will take advantage of the error or bug to move ahead of other players. However, glitches in video games are usually found before being released to the public by the “game tester.”  

In 1999 some were preparing for what could have been the “granddaddy” of all glitches. Remember Y2K? Either we had enough warning and Dr. Glitch was able to find “the Cure," or it was all hype. That’s for you to decide.