SNAFU

abbreviationShop talkShop Slang

An acronym for situation normal, all fouled up; a state of chaotic malfunction.

An acronym originating in the military that describes a project, process, or system that has descended into total confusion. It implies that massive errors, miscommunications, and breakdowns are so common on a particular site that the resulting disaster is entirely expected.

Heard on the job

The supply chain snafu means we've no copper pipe for the next three weeks.

Also heard as

  • cluster