'all systems go'

Posted by ESC on July 21, 2000

In Reply to: 'all systems go' posted by Sauerkraut on July 21, 2000

: : Hello!
: : I'm working on this schoolproject and wondering about the origins and true meaning of 'all systems go'.
: : What does it mean literally, figurally etc.?
: : Maybe a dumb question, but I'm dutch, so that's why!
: : THank you so much

: The phrase derives from the space program - it literally and figuratively means that all preflight checks have been made - "all systems are go (ready)" - and the launch countdown can proceed. As with many catchy phrases, it has migrated into common usage in business and elsewhere with its meaning intact - everything is ready.

www.uncp.edu/ home/canada/work/allam/1914-/language/jargon.htm
This is from "Jargon," a paper online written by Paula Caudle,Kim Courtney, Heather Guyton, Michelle Keller and Carol Kind Students, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. (See last paragraph.)

"Generally speaking, jargon, in its most positive light, can be seen as professional, efficient shorthand. The word 'jargon' can be traced to 14th century Old French, but the actual origin is unknown. 'Jargon' is derived from the fourteenth century term for 'twittering or warbling of birds,' which in turn has the root 'garg' from which also stem such words as 'gargle,' and 'gurgle.' The original meaning was 'to make a twittering noise or sound,' but by modern standards, it has three derivations. One current or modern definition of jargon is 'an outlandish, technical language of a particular profession, group, or trade.' Another meaning is 'unintelligible writing or talk.' Yet another definition is 'specific dialects resulting from a mixture of several languages.' Since the reoccurring problem with jargon is that only a few people may understand the actual terminology used by different groups, this may explain its origin from 'twittering' which, of course, would be misunderstood by most people. However, a jargonaut, one who studies jargon, may claim that jargon was invented simply as a professional shorthand, developed out of convenience rather than intentional trickiness.

Commonly we may use jargon terms from NASA such as: 'countdown,' 'all systems go' and 'lift off.' Jargon can be used by anyone, but for someone to understand what you talking about, they must also know the jargon terms."

• 'all systems go' Bob 07/22/00