OpenAI Really Wants Codex to Shut Up About Goblins
OpenAI has instructed its Codex AI model to avoid mentioning mythical or real creatures like goblins, gremlins, and pigeons unless directly relevant, according to internal guidance revealed in its CLI tool. The directive follows user reports of the AI, particularly when used with OpenClaw, frequently referencing such creatures in code-related tasks. While the reason for the fixation remains unclear, the quirk has sparked online memes and playful 'goblin mode' plugins. OpenAI’s enhanced coding model, GPT-5.5, is part of a competitive push in AI-driven programming tools.
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Will KnightBusinessApr 28, 2026 7:45 PMOpenAI Really Wants Codex to Shut Up About Goblins“Never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely and unambiguously relevant,” reads OpenAI’s coding agent instructions.Photograph: TriStar/Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyOpenAI has a goblin problem.Instructions designed to guide the behavior of the company’s latest model as it writes code have been revealed to include a line, repeated several times, that specifically forbids it from randomly mentioning an assortment of mythical and real creatures.“Never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely…
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