Tech talk moves fast. One day you’re “updating an app,” the next day you’re “pairing earbuds” while your “Wi-Fi” pretends it’s on vacation.
Use this list to name devices, talk about problems, and sound like you know what you’re doing (even if you’re just clicking things and hoping).
Yak Snark The universal tech support phrase
If you can say restart and update with confidence, you’ll be promoted to “IT person” in any family group chat.
1) Visual cards: your daily tech essentials
These are the words you’ll use constantly. Tap Hear to practice pronunciation.
Device
smartphone
Meaning: a mobile phone with apps and internet.
Example: My smartphone died right before the meeting.
Device
laptop
Meaning: a portable computer you can fold shut.
Example: I’ll bring my laptop to the café to work.
Device
tablet
Meaning: a flat touchscreen device, bigger than a phone.
Example: She reads comics on her tablet at night.
Wearable
smartwatch
Meaning: a watch that shows notifications and tracks health.
Example: My smartwatch buzzes when I get a call.
Audio
headphones
Meaning: speakers you wear over or on your ears.
Example: I put on headphones to focus in the office.
Power
charger
Meaning: a device that puts power into a battery.
Example: Do you have a charger I can borrow?
Internet
Wi-Fi router
Meaning: the box that shares internet around your home.
Example: I restarted the Wi Fi router and it worked.
Office
printer
Meaning: a machine that prints documents on paper.
Example: The printer jammed again, of course.
2) Table of words: 112 more tech terms (with examples)
Skim, save, and use these in real sentences. Tech English loves short, practical words.
| Word / phrase | Meaning | Example | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| desktop computer | a computer that stays on a desk | My desktop computer is faster than my old laptop. | |
| monitor | a screen for a computer | This monitor is big enough for two windows. | |
| keyboard | keys you type on | My keyboard is noisy, so I bought a quieter one. | |
| mouse | a hand device to move the cursor | My mouse stopped working, so I changed the battery. | |
| touchpad | the flat area you swipe on a laptop | The touchpad is sensitive, so I turned down the speed. | |
| webcam | a camera for video calls | My webcam makes me look like I live in a cave. | |
| microphone | something that records your voice | Can you hear me, or is my microphone muted? | |
| speakers | devices that play sound out loud | The speakers crackle when the cable is loose. | |
| wireless earbuds | small earphones with no cable | My wireless earbuds keep falling out on the train. | |
| headset | headphones with a microphone | I use a headset for calls so my hands are free. | |
| game console | a device for playing video games | We bought a game console for family weekends. | |
| controller | a handheld device to control games | My controller has stick drift, so it moves by itself. | |
| VR headset | goggles for virtual reality | The VR headset made the game feel real. | |
| drone | a flying device you control remotely | He used a drone to film the beach from above. | |
| digital camera | a camera that saves photos as files | I brought a digital camera for better travel photos. | |
| action camera | a small tough camera for sports | She mounted an action camera on her helmet. | |
| projector | a device that shows an image on a wall | We used a projector to watch movies outside. | |
| scanner | a machine that copies paper into a file | I scanned my passport and saved it as a PDF. | |
| modem | a device that connects your home to the internet | The modem lights are blinking, so something is wrong. | |
| access point | a device that extends Wi-Fi coverage | We added an access point to cover the back room. | |
| mesh network | multiple Wi-Fi units working together | A mesh network fixed our weak signal upstairs. | |
| Ethernet cable | a wired internet cable | Gaming is smoother with an Ethernet cable. | |
| HDMI cable | a cable for video and audio | I connected the laptop to the TV with an HDMI cable. | |
| USB cable | a cable for charging or data | This USB cable charges slowly, so I replaced it. | |
| USB-C cable | a modern USB cable with a reversible plug | My phone needs a USB C cable, not the old one. | |
| adapter | something that lets two things connect | I need an adapter to use my laptop with this projector. | |
| dongle | a small plug-in device, often for ports | My laptop is thin, so I use a dongle for USB ports. | |
| SD card | a small memory card for storage | The camera saves photos to an SD card. | |
| external hard drive | a storage device you plug in | I keep backups on an external hard drive. | |
| SSD | fast storage with no moving parts | An SSD made my computer start much faster. | |
| power bank | a portable battery for charging | I carry a power bank when I travel. | |
| docking station | a hub that connects many devices | My docking station connects the monitor and keyboard. | |
| smart speaker | a speaker you can talk to | The smart speaker plays music when I ask. | |
| voice assistant | software that answers voice commands | My voice assistant set a timer for cooking. | |
| smart plug | a plug you can control with an app | I use a smart plug to turn the lamp off remotely. | |
| smart bulb | a light bulb you control with your phone | The smart bulb can change color for parties. | |
| smart thermostat | a thermostat that learns and saves energy | Our smart thermostat lowers the heat at night. | |
| security camera | a camera for monitoring a place | The security camera sends alerts to my phone. | |
| doorbell camera | a doorbell with a built-in camera | The doorbell camera recorded the delivery. | |
| robot vacuum | a vacuum cleaner that moves by itself | My robot vacuum gets stuck under the sofa daily. | |
| e-reader | a device made for reading ebooks | I prefer an e-reader because it’s easy on my eyes. | |
| fitness tracker | a wearable that tracks steps and health | My fitness tracker reminds me to stand up. | |
| 3D printer | a machine that prints objects in plastic | He used a 3D printer to make a phone stand. | |
| screen protector | a thin layer that protects your screen | A screen protector saved my phone from scratches. | |
| phone case | a cover that protects your phone | I bought a phone case with a stronger grip. | |
| charging port | the hole where you plug in power | Lint in the charging port can stop charging. | |
| headphone jack | the port for wired headphones | My new phone has no headphone jack. | |
| SIM card | a small card that connects your phone to a network | I swapped the SIM card when I changed carriers. | |
| battery life | how long a battery lasts | This tablet has great battery life for travel. | |
| RAM | short-term memory for running tasks | More RAM helps when I open many tabs. | |
| CPU | the main “brain” of the computer | A newer CPU can speed up heavy work. | |
| storage | space where files are saved | I ran out of storage after recording videos. | |
| USB port | a socket for USB devices | The USB port is loose, so it disconnects. | |
| settings | the place where you change options | Check the settings to turn on dark text size. | |
| operating system | the main software that runs a device | My operating system updated overnight. | |
| app | a program on your phone or computer | I use a translation app when I travel. | |
| browser | an app for visiting websites | My browser keeps opening the wrong page. | |
| tab | a separate page inside a browser | I have too many tabs open again. | |
| bookmark | a saved link to find later | I bookmarked the site so I won’t lose it. | |
| search engine | a tool to find information online | I used a search engine to compare prices. | |
| website | a set of pages on the internet | Their website is slow on mobile. | |
| link | clickable text or a web address | Send me the link and I’ll read it. | |
| URL | the web address of a page | Copy the URL so I can open the same page. | |
| download | move a file from the internet to your device | I downloaded the file and saved it to my desktop. | |
| upload | send a file from your device to the internet | Please upload the photo in a smaller size. | |
| install | put software onto a device | I installed the app, but it won’t open. | |
| update | get the newest version of software | I updated my phone and the menu changed. | |
| bug | a mistake in software | There’s a bug that deletes my notes sometimes. | |
| glitch | a small unexpected problem | The screen flickered, but it was just a glitch. | |
| crash | when an app suddenly stops | The game crashes when I enter that level. | |
| reboot | restart a device (often more “technical”) | I rebooted the router and the internet returned. | |
| restart | turn it off and on again | Restart your phone if the camera won’t focus. | |
| shut down | turn a device fully off | Please shut down the computer before you leave. | |
| freeze | when a screen stops responding | My phone froze, so I forced it to restart. | |
| notifications | pop-up alerts from apps | I turned off notifications for that noisy app. | |
| permission | what an app is allowed to access | The app asked for permission to use my microphone. | |
| privacy settings | controls for what data you share | I changed my privacy settings to hide my location. | |
| account | your user profile on a service | I made an account so I could save my progress. | |
| login | enter your account to use a service | I can’t login because I forgot my password. | |
| password | a secret word to access an account | Use a strong password, not your pet’s name. | |
| passcode | a short code, often numbers | My passcode is six digits now, not four. | |
| two-factor authentication | extra login step for security | Two factor authentication saved my account from hackers. | |
| fingerprint unlock | opening a device with your fingerprint | Fingerprint unlock is fast when my hands are clean. | |
| face unlock | opening a device by scanning your face | Face unlock fails when I wear a mask. | |
| encryption | scrambling data so others can’t read it | The messaging app uses encryption for private chats. | |
| firewall | a security barrier for networks | The firewall blocked a suspicious connection. | |
| antivirus | software that helps stop viruses | I ran antivirus because the computer felt slow. | |
| malware | harmful software | That fake download installed malware on his laptop. | |
| phishing | tricking people to steal passwords or money | The email was phishing, so I deleted it. | |
| spam | unwanted messages, usually ads or scams | My inbox is full of spam today. | |
| cloud storage | saving files online | I put the photos in cloud storage to share them. | |
| backup | a safety copy of your data | I made a backup before updating the system. | |
| sync | keep the same data on different devices | My notes sync between my phone and my tablet. | |
| file | a saved item like a photo or document | I renamed the file so I can find it later. | |
| folder | a place to organize files | Put the receipts in a folder called Taxes. | |
| attachment | a file sent with an email or message | I added the report as an attachment. | |
| screenshot | a picture of your screen | Take a screenshot and show me the error. | |
| screen recording | a video of what happens on your screen | I made a screen recording to explain the steps. | |
| screen share | show your screen to others on a call | Can you screen share so we can check it together? | |
| video call | a call with live video | Let’s do a video call instead of typing. | |
| mute | turn off your microphone sound | Please mute when you’re not speaking. | |
| Wi-Fi | wireless internet connection | The Wi Fi is strong in the living room. | |
| Bluetooth | short-range wireless connection | I connected the speaker with Bluetooth. | |
| pairing | linking two devices wirelessly | The earbuds pairing failed, so I tried again. | |
| hotspot | sharing mobile internet with other devices | I used my phone as a hotspot for my laptop. | |
| cellular data | internet through your phone network | I turned off cellular data to save money. | |
| 5G | a fast mobile network type | 5G is fast downtown, but weak at my house. | |
| GPS | location tracking for maps | My GPS is confused in tall buildings. | |
| NFC | tap-to-pay and close-range data sharing | I paid by phone using NFC. | |
| QR code | a square code you scan with a camera | Scan the QR code to open the menu. | |
| streaming | watching or listening without downloading first | We’re streaming the match on my tablet. |
3) Optional variants: same meaning, different words
English has multiple “normal” options. Pick the one you hear around you.
| Option A | Option B | Notes | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| mobile phone | cell phone | Both mean a phone you carry. “Mobile” is common in many countries. | |
| earphones | earbuds | “Earbuds” often means the small in-ear style. | |
| USB stick | flash drive | Same thing: portable storage that plugs in. | |
| Wi-Fi | wireless internet | “Wi-Fi” is the short everyday word. | |
| restart | reboot | Both mean turn it off and on. “Reboot” sounds more technical. | |
| app | application | “App” is casual. “Application” is more formal. | |
| video call | video chat | Both are common. “Call” can feel more work-ish. | |
| screen share | share your screen | One is a noun, one is a phrase. Same action. | |
| log in | sign in | Same meaning: access your account. | |
| log out | sign out | Same meaning: leave your account on that device. | |
| Wi-Fi password | network password | Both mean the code to join Wi-Fi. | |
| airplane mode | flight mode | Both turn off wireless signals. Names vary by device. | |
| charging cable | charging cord | Both are used. “Cable” is common in tech shops. | |
| plug | power adapter | People casually say “plug,” but “adapter” is clearer. | |
| phone storage | phone memory | In daily speech, people often say “memory” for storage. |
Yak Snark Tiny sentence, huge confidence
When you’re stuck, say: “My Wi-Fi is unstable, so I’ll use a hotspot.” You just went from “confused human” to “calm professional.”
