Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 17, 2025, is "glitch." A glitch is an informal term for an unexpected and usually minor problem. It is frequently used to describe small issues with machines or devices, particularly computers. For example, a technical glitch caused an email to be sent to everyone in a company. The etymology of "glitch" is uncertain, possibly deriving from the Yiddish word "glitsh," meaning "slippery place." Its print usage referring to an electrical surge dates to the mid-20th century. Astronaut John Glenn described a glitch as a voltage spike or change in an electrical circuit. Today, the term applies to any minor malfunction or snag. Gamers might even exploit glitches for unexpected advantages. The provided example illustrates how software glitches led to false accusations and firings within the British Post Office.