blinkenlights
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
The flashing lights on an electronic device such as a modem, router, or network hub (originally the front-panel lights on old computers).
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The back of the NIRT truck was crowded with consoles and flashing panels of blinkenlights, battered laptops plastered with security inventory stickers...
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “blinkenlights” mean?
The flashing lights on an electronic device such as a modem, router, or network hub (originally the front-panel lights on old computers).
Is “blinkenlights” formal or informal?
blinkenlights is generally slang.