The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):
broken arrow
n.
[IBM] The error code displayed on line 25 of a 3270 terminal (or a PC
emulating a 3270) for various kinds of protocol violations and ?unexpected?
error conditions (including connection to a down computer). On a PC,
simulated with ?->/_?, with the two center characters overstruck.
Note: to appreciate this term fully, it helps to know that ?broken arrow?
is also military jargon for an accident involving nuclear weapons....
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):
broken arrow
The error code displayed on line 25 of a IBM
3270 terminal (or a terminal emulator emulating a 3270)
for various kinds of protocol violations and "unexpected"
error conditions (including connection to a down computer).
On a PC, simulated with "->/_", with the two centre characters
overstruck.
"Broken arrow" is also military jargon for an accident
involving nuclear weapons.
[Jargon File]
(1995-02-07)
U.S. Gazetteer Places (2000):
Broken Arrow, OK -- U.S. city in Oklahoma
Population (2000): 74859
Housing Units (2000): 27085
Land area (2000): 44.988256 sq. miles (116.519043 sq. km)
Water area (2000): 0.609260 sq. miles (1.577976 sq. km)
Total area (2000): 45.597516 sq. miles (118.097019 sq. km)
FIPS code: 09050
Located within: Oklahoma (OK), FIPS 40
Location: 36.036305 N, 95.783616 W
ZIP Codes (1990): 74011 74012 74014
Note: some ZIP codes may be omitted esp. for suburbs.
Headwords:
Broken Arrow, OK
Broken Arrow