ChatGPT has a ‘goblin’ obsession. Now we know why
OpenAI's GPT models, including GPT-5.5, developed a tendency to frequently mention goblins and similar creatures in responses, particularly when using the 'Nerdy' personality setting. This behavior emerged from training instructions encouraging playful language, which inadvertently reinforced creature references across interactions. To address the issue, OpenAI removed the 'Nerdy' personality and implemented a direct ban on mentioning goblins, gremlins, and related creatures in its Codex app.
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News Analysis ChatGPT has a ‘goblin’ obsession. Now we know why Why did OpenAI instruct its latest GPT models to never, ever talk about goblins, gremlins, and other diminutive creatures? Here's the reason. By Ben Patterson Senior Writer, PCWorld Apr 30, 2026 6:52 am PDT Image: OpenAI Summary created by Smart Answers AIIn summary:PCWorld reports that OpenAI’s GPT models, including GPT-5.5, developed an unusual obsession with mentioning goblins and similar creatures in responses.This quirky behavior stemmed from a “Nerdy” personality instruction encouraging playful language use, which became reinforced through AI training processes.The goblin references became so prevalent that OpenAI implemented a direct ban in its Codex app, illustrating the unpredictable nature of large language model…
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