Stay Tuned – Meaning, Origin and Usage

Are you looking to hold people's attention before you make an important announcement? You could ask them to 'stay tuned' for updates. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.

Meaning

The expression 'stay tuned' means that you have exciting news coming up that people will want to hear. It means that you will update the person or persons with critical information shortly.

'Stay tuned' tells someone there is more to come, and it will be worth it if they stick around to see it. 'Stay tuned' means that you're a source of interesting information and have an exciting or interesting piece of news coming up.

Example Usage

“I’m expecting big news at the end of the week. There’s a good chance I got that job. Stay tuned. I’ll keep you in the loop with all the updates. I’m so excited.”

“Stay tuned. You never know what’s going to happen during the day. We’ll update you on all events as they happen, okay?”

“We have no idea what’s going to happen, but stay tuned. Our team has all the latest updates coming out of the region, and we’ll keep you informed.’

“I’m on my way to the big time. I played a gig at The Icehouse last night, and I’m booked for the Comedy Store as a headliner at the end of the month. Stay tuned. I’m going places.”

“We’ll have more on the story as it develops. Stay tuned for all the information that matters. We’re your top source for all the latest news.”

“He told me to stay tuned for the news on the deal. They’ll have a decision for us by 6pm, and we’ll know more then.”

“Remember to stay tuned to this channel for all the latest updates. We have reporters on the ground, bringing you the news that matters.”

Origin

The expression 'stay tuned' originates from Time magazine in 1966. The phrase appeared in the issue published on January 28th, in the article "Nigeria: The Men of Sandhurst." The context of the saying referred to the government alerting its people and the news media on forthcoming events.

The phrase appears in the Time Magazine article as follows.

"Alerting Nigeria to stay tuned for an important announcement, the government radio station canceled its regular programs."

The phrase became popular over the next few decades. It spread to all forms of media, from the news to TV shows and even advertisements. It's still in use today and retains its original meaning of paying attention to a source to receive updates on an event.

Phrases Similar to Stay Tuned

  • Keep your head in the game.
  • Keep me posted.
  • Keep me in the loop.
  • Keep me up to speed.

Phrases Opposite to Stay Tuned

  • Don’t bother paying attention.
  • Nothing to see here.

What is the Correct Saying?

  • Stay tuned.

Ways People May Say Stay Tuned Incorrectly

The phrase 'stay tuned' doesn't refer to staying tuned in to a radio or TV channel. It's a way of telling someone to keep tabs on upcoming events. You wouldn't use 'stay tuned' to describe staying tuned to the radio/TV unless you were a disc jockey or radio/TV presenter.

Acceptable Ways to Phrase Stay Tuned

You can use the phrase 'stay tuned' when you want to hold people's attention. The expression suits professional and social use. Use it at work to inform your customers of an impending product launch. Use it with friends to tell them you're expecting a decision to a problem in a few days. 'Stay tuned' is suitable for text and spoken communications.

'Stay tuned' tells someone that you expect big news, and they should keep their attention on the situation to watch the outcome. The phrase can apply to events in your life or at a national or global level. Staying tuned to something means that you keep it on your radar and have an interest in the outcome.

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