Are you looking for a way to get people to hurry up? Why not throw in a countdown to the preparations? You can use the “T minus” countdown system to put people on a deadline to take action. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression “T minus” is a countdown system developed by NASA during the Space Race. It’s a way of placing a sense of urgency on something. You could use it when trying to get people out the door to a reservation.
During NASA countdowns to a rocket launches, NASA Command uses the ‘T-minus’ system for the event, with the ‘T’ standing for the exact time until launch. It’s common for “T minus launches” to start ten or 20-seconds from launch.
When the countdown reaches zero, NASA will launch the rocket. So, by using the T minus system in a situation, you’re telling everybody that the point of departure is moments away, and they need to hurry up.
Using T minus as a countdown usually means that you’re frustrated with waiting for people to get ready, and you’ve attached a countdown to the deadline to leave.
Example Usage
“This is control. We’re ready for liftoff. Baton the hatches and prepare for launch in T minus ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, launch. All systems go. Good luck, crew. We’re here for you.”
“Alright, kids, the bus arrives in T minus three minutes. I hope you have everything packed and ready to go. Don’t forget your homework again, okay, Tommy?”
“T minus four minutes and counting until launch captain. Do you want us to run the system diagnostic again to check on that issue?”
“We’re ready for the new year; the clock strikes twelve in T minus ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. Happy New Year, everybody!”
“I get chills every time I hear NASA command make a countdown. As so as they say “T minus,” I can feel the hair on the back of my neck standing up. I’m so thrilled.”
“The T minus system is the way NASA counts down to a launch, but you can use it in any life scenario where you want to countdown to the launch of an event.”
Origin
The expression "T minus" comes from the countdown system adopted and implanted by NASA for the space program in the 1960s. The "T minus" system is the countdown system for launching projectiles and spacecraft into orbit.
The "Space Race" of the sixties led to America putting the first man on the moon. We've all seen the launch videos where NASA's command makes the legendary countdown to start the Apollo program.
Phrases Similar to T Minus
- On a countdown.
- Time is of the essence.
Phrases Opposite to T Minus
- E minus.
- L minus.
What is the Correct Saying?
- T minus.
Ways People May Say T Minus Incorrectly
Some people may confuse the “T minus” countdown system with the “L Minus” and “E Minus” countdown systems. However, all three have unique qualities and shouldn’t be confused with each other. The “T minus” countdown system applies to the launching of aircraft and space vehicles.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase T Minus
You can use the saying “T Minus” when you’re about to give a countdown to someone, or you can use it to let someone know that you are seconds, minutes, hours, or days away from taking action on something. The phrase means a definitive timeline to events, and you’re tracking it as it winds down.
Typically, people will follow the saying “T minus” with a countdown starting from ten to one. At zero, the action takes place as planned. You could use it to give your kids a countdown to get ready for the school bus. You could use it as a veiled warning to someone to hurry up with what they are doing.