Tangent

Posted by Smokey Stover March 20, 2004In reply to Tangent posted by Bruce Kahl on March 19, 2004

What does it mean to "Go off on a Tangent" or "Wild Tangent"? Please help.

When people are having a discussion and one is said "to go off on a tangent" it means that that person has deviated or diverged from the original purpose of the discussion.
It is mathematical in origin.

The line that touches the straight one (in the diagram) but curves away after just touching it is called a "tangent" from the Latin "tangere," to touch. Christ said "Noli me tangere" (in the Vulgate), meaning "Don't touch me." Among the words derived from "tangere" is contingent. SS

Replies

Tangent Bruce Kahl 20/March/04
- Tangent Fred 20/March/04
- Tangent Smokey Stover 20/March/04
  - Spider Bruce Kahl 20/March/04
    - Spider Smokey Stover 20/March/04
      - Thank You Bruce Kahl 21/March/04