memory smash

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

memory smash
 n.

   [XEROX PARC] Writing through a pointer that doesn't point to what you
   think it does. This occasionally reduces your memory to a rubble of
   bits. Note that this is subtly different from (and more general than)
   related terms such as a {memory leak} or {fandango on core} because it
   doesn't imply an allocation error or overrun condition.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

memory smash

   <jargon> A {Xerox PARC} term for writing to the location
   addressed by a {dangling pointer}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1994-11-02)