The mystical field surrounding a 1980s home computer, mainly the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, that must not be disturbed whilst the computer is loading software from audio cassette tapes. Some people performed highly sophisticated rituals to prevent loading errors, and others were convinced that games would not load properly if their mum asked them if they wanted a cup of tea whilst loading.

Coined in the late 90s by a poster on comp.sys.sinclair, who mis-typed "chutney" - the word was then adopted by a fellow poster to describe the phenomenon above.

The two states of being are as a human being, or a hungry ghost. Semi-regularly you need to ask yourself which you are. Sometimes it is human. Others, alas, it is hungry ghost.

The hungry ghost seeks validity outside of themselves. Someone pining for an indifferent ex is a hungry ghost. Someone who arrives alone at 6:30 on Saturday night to a pub is probably a hungry ghost. Obsessive checking of mobile phones, chat sites or networks are clear signs that one is a hungry ghost.

The best thing to do is just stay home and ride it out. Read a book. Find some good clean fun.