Goblin vs. Gremlin: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Goblins are mythical creatures often depicted as mischievous and ugly, whereas gremlins are mythical creatures believed to cause malfunctions in machinery, especially aircraft.
Key Differences
Goblins are typically depicted in folklore and fantasy literature as small, grotesque creatures with a penchant for mischief and malevolence. In contrast, gremlins are imagined as mischievous entities primarily known for sabotaging aircraft and other machinery.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
The concept of a goblin has a longer history in mythology, with variations appearing in different cultures. Gremlins, however, originated in the 20th century, often associated with the British Royal Air Force as mythical creatures that cause technical issues in aircraft.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Goblins are often portrayed in various forms in literature and media, ranging from evil and frightening to simply troublesome. Gremlins, on the other hand, are more uniformly depicted as creatures of sabotage, specifically in mechanical and electrical systems.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
In terms of physical depiction, goblins are usually shown as small, humanoid creatures with grotesque features. Gremlins, while also often small and mischievous, are more specifically linked to mechanical settings and may have features that reflect this association.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
The cultural impact of goblins is widespread, seen in various myths, stories, and films. Gremlins gained popularity particularly during and after World War II, with their name being used metaphorically to describe unexplained mechanical failures.
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Nov 30, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Activity
Mischievous, sometimes malevolent behavior.
Sabotaging machinery and aircraft.
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Cultural Representation
Diverse representations in literature and media.
Mainly linked to mechanical and electrical sabotage.
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Nov 30, 2023
Physical Description
Small, humanoid, grotesque features.
Often depicted in mechanical contexts, features vary.
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Nov 30, 2023
Metaphorical Use
Less common in modern metaphorical use.
Used metaphorically for unexplained technical failures.
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Nov 30, 2023
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Goblin and Gremlin Definitions
Goblin
A mischievous, ugly creature in folklore.
The children were frightened by stories of a goblin living in the woods.
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Nov 21, 2023
Gremlin
A creature from modern folklore, associated with technological sabotage.
The mechanics humorously blamed gremlins for the car's sudden breakdown.
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Nov 21, 2023
Goblin
A creature often depicted as causing trouble and mischief.
The goblin played pranks on the unsuspecting villagers.
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Nov 21, 2023
Gremlin
An imaginary imp causing trouble in mechanical devices.
He referred to the mysterious computer errors as the work of gremlins.
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Nov 21, 2023
Goblin
A mythical being from European folklore, often living in caves or forests.
Legends say a goblin guards the hidden treasure in the cave.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Gremlin
A mythical creature known for causing malfunctions in machinery and aircraft.
The pilot joked about gremlins being the cause of the unexplained glitch.
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Nov 21, 2023
Goblin
A mythical, small, grotesque being with various magical abilities.
The goblin in the tale could turn invisible at will.
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Nov 21, 2023
Gremlin
A term used to describe unexplained issues in mechanical and electrical systems.
The engineers humorously referred to the server issues as gremlin activity.
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Nov 21, 2023
Goblin
A character in fantasy literature and games, typically hostile.
In the game, they battled a horde of goblins.
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Nov 21, 2023
Gremlin
A creature popularized in WWII, blamed for technical problems in aircraft.
WWII pilots often attributed mysterious aircraft issues to gremlins.
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Nov 21, 2023
Goblin
A grotesque elfin creature of folklore, thought to work mischief or evil.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gremlin
An imaginary gnomelike creature to whom mechanical problems, especially in aircraft, are attributed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Goblin
One of various hostile supernatural creatures, now especially (fantasy literature) a malevolent and grotesque diminutive humanoid, often associated with orcs or trolls.
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Oct 19, 2023
Goblin
An evil or mischievous spirit; a playful or malicious elf; a frightful phantom; a gnome.
To whom the goblin, full of wrath, replied.
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Oct 19, 2023
Goblin
(folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
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Oct 19, 2023
Gremlin
An imaginary creature reputed to be mischievously inclined to damage or dismantle machinery.
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Oct 19, 2023
Gremlin
Any mysterious, unknown source of mischief or trouble, or the problem created thereby.
We rechecked everything, and we suspect gremlins in the database.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a gremlin?
A gremlin is a mythical creature believed to cause malfunctions in machinery.
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Nov 30, 2023
Where did the concept of gremlins originate?
Gremlins originated in 20th-century military folklore, particularly among British pilots.
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Nov 30, 2023
What do goblins look like?
Goblins are usually depicted as small, humanoid creatures with grotesque features.
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Nov 30, 2023
Do gremlins have a specific appearance?
Gremlins don't have a standardized appearance, but they are often portrayed as small and mischievous.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can goblins be good?
In some stories, goblins are depicted as neutral or even helpful, but they are typically seen as troublesome.
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Nov 30, 2023
What is a goblin?
A goblin is a mythical creature often portrayed as mischievous and ugly.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are goblins real?
No, goblins are fictional beings from folklore and fantasy.
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Nov 30, 2023
What do gremlins do?
Gremlins are imagined to tamper with machinery, causing malfunctions and failures.
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Nov 30, 2023
Where are goblins found in folklore?
Goblins appear in various European folklores and are often associated with caves, forests, or mountains.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are gremlins featured in movies?
Yes, gremlins have been featured in several movies, most notably in the "Gremlins" film series.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are gremlins associated with any particular period?
Yes, gremlins became popular during World War II.
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Nov 30, 2023
Were gremlins considered real by WWII pilots?
While not literally believed to be real, gremlins were a humorous way for WWII pilots to explain unexplained issues.
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Nov 30, 2023
Do goblins play a role in children's stories?
Yes, goblins often appear in children's fairy tales and stories.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are goblins part of modern culture?
Yes, goblins appear in modern fantasy literature, films, and games.
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Nov 30, 2023
Do gremlins appear in literature?
Yes, gremlins appear in literature, particularly in stories related to aviation and technology.
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Nov 30, 2023
How are gremlins used metaphorically?
Gremlins are used metaphorically to refer to unexplained problems in mechanical or electrical systems.
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Nov 30, 2023
Do goblins have magical powers?
In many stories, goblins are attributed with various magical abilities.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is there a cultural significance to goblins?
Goblins hold a place in folklore and fantasy, representing mischief and the unknown.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can gremlins be good?
Traditionally, gremlins are not depicted as good; they're known for causing trouble.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are goblins considered dangerous?
In folklore, goblins can be dangerous or merely mischievous, depending on the story.
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Nov 30, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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