ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fat finger

idiom
Meaning

A supposed cause of typographical errors, especially keyboard errors, caused from erroneous key presses or typing errors on touchscreen devices.


Origin

disputed origin

From the idea that a finger that is too fat or large is likely to accidentally press one or more keys other than the intended one.

Examples
SIMPLE

I made a fat finger error and sent the wrong message.

CONTEXTUAL

I meant to type five dollars, but a fat finger mistake made it fifty instead.

COMPLEX

The trader blamed a fat finger for the accidental order that caused a brief fluctuation in the stock market.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big fat

    Complete, utter, total.

  2. 02

    crack a fat

    To get an erection of the penis.

  3. 03

    fat chance

    Little or no chance, a low or nonexistent likelihood of occurrence or success; a faint chance.

  4. 04

    fat lip

    A swelling on the lip, especially one resulting from a punch or other blow.

  5. 05

    fat of the land

    The greatest part of anything; the finest and most abundant share of resources; the cream of the crop.

  6. 06

    finger in the pie

    A share in the doing of something; involvement.

  7. 07

    finger to the wind

    An attention to or focus on or awareness of current or prevailing trends, public opinion, or shifting circumstances.

  8. 08

    fucked by the fickle finger of fate

    Victimized by bad luck.

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