Dictionary.net

/blink'*n-li:tz/ Front-panel diagnostic lights on a computer,especially a dinosaur. Derives from the last word of thefamous blackletter-Gothic sign in mangled pseudo-German thatonce graced about half the computer rooms in theEnglish-speaking world. One version ran in its entirety asfollows:ACHTUNG! ALLES LOOKENSPEEPERS! Das computermachine ist nicht fuer gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzensparken. Ist nicht fuer gewerken bei das dumpkopfen. Das rubbernecken sichtseeren keepen das cotten-pickenen hans in das pockets muss; relaxen und watchen das blinkenlichten.This silliness dates back at least as far as 1959 at StanfordUniversity and had already gone international by the early1960s, when it was reported at London University's ATLAScomputing site. There are several variants of it incirculation, some of which actually do end with the word"blinkenlights".In an amusing example of turnabout-is-fair-play, Germanhackers have developed their own versions of the blinkenlightsposter in fractured English, one of which is reproduced here: ATTENTION This room is fullfilled mit special electronische equippment. Fingergrabbing and pressing the cnoeppkes from the computers is allowed for die experts only! So all the "lefthanders" stay away and do not disturben the brainstorming von here working intelligencies. Otherwise you will be out thrown and kicked anderswhere! Also: please keep still and only watchen astaunished the blinkenlights.See also geef.