An IT support staff member got terminated due to using an abbreviation.

In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones to laptops, technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with each other. However, with technology comes the need for technical support, and companies rely on skilled professionals to troubleshoot issues and provide solutions to their customers. Recently, a tech support chap was fired for a seemingly harmless mistake, using an acronym that caused outrage within his company. In this article, we will explore the story of the tech support fired for using an acronym and discuss the importance of clear communication in the workplace.


The weekly tech column, On-Call, published by The Register, starts with a nod to the approaching weekend. However, this week’s introduction is a straight-up TGIF, for reasons that will become clear soon. Meet “Hal” – a reader who worked in Florida as an in-house on-site tech support rep. He wasn’t happy with his job due to users’ arrogant attitude towards tech support. To change this, Hal greeted users with “Don’t worry about it, just blame it on Sue,” substituting “Sue” for “Stupid UsEr.” Users liked the idea, and it became popular. Unfortunately, Hal’s job took a hit when the division that employed him hired a new boss, Susan. Sue preferred to be called Sue. This was an unfortunate coincidence for Hal, and he couldn’t explain his acronym to the boss, leading him to lose his job. This fell into what is known as a PEBCACK – a Problem Existing Between Chair and Keyboard that became a CLE – Career-Limiting Event. If you have an acronym SNAFU story like Hal’s, share it with On-Call. Don’t be shy; we need more entries.


In conclusion, it’s both alarming and perplexing that a tech support professional was terminated for using an acronym. While it’s understandable that companies have certain protocols and standards that their employees must adhere to, it’s important to consider the context and intent behind certain actions. Perhaps a more constructive approach would have been to provide coaching and guidelines on appropriate workplace language rather than immediately jumping to termination. It’s a reminder that in the fast-paced world of technology, effective communication and empathy remain essential skills for anyone working in tech support or any other industry.