What is it with this present trend of constantly pouncing upon pretentiously profound words starting with the letter P? :-)
Today's discovery is certainly one elusive and confusing term to momentariy deceive (or stun) the receivers of your comment.
Pernicious = plain evil or harmful
The quality of the code I have been reviewing of late (actually, ever since I began my programming career) has been undisputedly pernicious. To the system and to the brain.