Armin Ronacher • 5/26/2026

Clanker: A Word For The Machine

In this blog post, Armin Ronacher discusses his deliberate use of the word 'clanker' as an alternative to 'agent' for LLM-based tools. He argues that 'agent' implies agency and responsibility, which are inappropriate for machines. Instead, 'clanker' reinforces the mechanical nature of AI, treating it as a tool rather than a sentient being. The article explores the dangers of anthropomorphizing AI, the lack of feelings in LLMs, and the importance of human accountability in deploying such systems. It is a thoughtful tech industry commentary on terminology and AI ethics.

0 comments

#llm #AI Agents #Anthropomorphism