The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

Dilbert


    n. Name and title character of a comic strip nationally syndicated in the
    U.S. and enormously popular among hackers. Dilbert is an archetypical
    engineer-nerd who works at an anonymous high-technology company; the strips
    present a lacerating satire of insane working conditions and idiotic 
    management practices all too readily recognized by hackers. Adams, who
    spent nine years in cube 4S700R at Pacific Bell (not DEC as often
    reported), often remarks that he has never been able to come up with a
    fictional management blunder that his correspondents didn't quickly either
    report to have actually happened or top with a similar but even more
    bizarre incident. In 1996 Adams distilled his insights into the collective
    psychology of businesses into an even funnier book, The Dilbert Principle
    (HarperCollins, ISBN 0-887-30787-6). See also pointy-haired, rat dance.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

Dilbert

    A cartoon computer worker drawn by Scott Adams
   , who works in Silicon Valley.  The
   cartoon became so popular he left his day job.  The cartoon
   satirises typical corporate life, especially that which
   revolves around computers.

   See also: BOFH.

   (http://unitedmedia.com/comics/dilbert/).

   (1996-10-11)