Definition

A person, usually used affectionately or self-descriptively, who is chaotic, impulsive, mischievous, or emotionally unpredictable—someone who makes impulsive decisions or says unhinged things without filter. Often describes someone in a heightened emotional state or acting out of character.

Example Usage

I went full gremlin mode and texted my ex at 2 AM—I'm not proud of it.

Origin

References the 1984 film 'Gremlins' but evolved into internet slang in the 2010s to describe chaotic behavior.

Fun Fact

Often combined with 'goblin' (as in 'goblin mode') to describe deliberately unkempt, unfiltered, chaotic energy.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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See “gremlin” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

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