Clanker
A robot
Example
Bro just replied to my text with ‘Acknowledged. Processing request.’
LMAO you’re texting a clanker, not a human
Yeah, I’m starting to think he updates his firmware more than his personality
Star Wars clankers dancing
Related Slang
| AI | Artificial intelligence |
| GenAI | Generative AI |
| LLM | Large Language Model |
| CGPT | ChatGPT |
| Centaur | A human aided by artificial intelligence |
| Deepfake | An authentic-looking depiction of a person that is not real |
| C.AI | Character.AI |
| Algo | Algorithm |
| VR | Virtual reality |
| comp | Computer |
| NPC | Non-player character |
| Aimbot | Automatic aiming bot |
| PVC | Player versus computer |
| robo | Robotics Facility |
How well do you know your texting slang?
Clanker is a pejorative slang term for robots, androids, or artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The term originated from science fiction and fan communities, especially around Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where battle droids were often called "clankers" for the metallic sounds they made when moving. People revived the term online in the 2020s as a slur for AI programs, chatbots, or even people who seem overly robotic in how they talk or act.
People use clanker mostly in meme culture and tech discussions, often with a wink rather than genuine hostility. You may see it on Reddit, Twitter, and AI-related forums, where users might jokingly accuse someone of "sounding like a clanker" or use it to anthropomorphize technology.