Re: on the fly

["Walker, Arlen P" <Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- COM>]

From: Arlen P Walker on 05/12/97 01:42 PM



      Do you think this phrase is in common use as computer jargon, so
      folks know what it means?  I've had varying responses from my
      programming pals.

The reason the response varies is that it's *not* computer jargon. I
believe it derives from the same source as "on the wing." It characterizes
its target as something done in a hurry, probably improvised. The
impression is one of continuous motion, of something done without delay.

It was in use long before computers were built. Don't hyphenate it. As
another poster noted, it's an informal usage, so you might not want to use
it.


Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 224

Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
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