y2k
y2k — noun
1. a computer problem that was expected to cause serious failures around the world
a computer problem that was expected to cause serious failures around the world when the year changed from 1999 to 2000. Many older programs stored years using only the last two digits (such as '99'), so '00' could be read as 1900 instead of 2000
Mateo's company spent millions fixing the Y2K bug before the new year arrived.
the Y2K bug
The hospital where Ingrid's mother worked kept extra generators ready for months before Y2K.
for months before Y2K
Nadia's grandfather refused to fly anywhere in December 1999 because of Y2K fears.
The bank replaced all its computers to avoid Y2K errors in January.
Santiago's mother filled the basement with bottled water and canned soup before Y2K hit.
- millennium bug
the most common journalistic name; more descriptive but longer
- Year 2000 problem
formal, technical term used in official reports and government documents
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: this sense refers to the computer bug, not the year itself. Almost always found with supporting nouns like 'bug,' 'problem,' 'scare,' or 'error.'
常見錯誤
2. a short way of writing 'year 2000,' now used mainly when talking about the fashi
a short way of writing 'year 2000,' now used mainly when talking about the fashion, music, and culture of the early 2000s
Y2K fashion is back, and Maja loves the baggy jeans and tiny sunglasses.
Y2K fashion
Joon found an old CD player from Y2K at the flea market on Saturday.
Rafael's older sister still listens to Y2K pop music in her car.
People remember the Y2K era for flip phones, low-rise jeans, and shiny lip gloss.
Apinya was born in Y2K, so she grew up with the internet and smartphones.
- the year 2000
the standard, formal way of referring to that year
- the early 2000s
broader term covering roughly 2000–2004, not just the single year
- the turn of the millennium
more formal and literary; emphasises the historical moment rather than the culture
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense names a time period, not a computer bug. Common as a modifier before nouns like 'fashion,' 'era,' 'aesthetic,' and 'music.'