The spelling of the term "dilatory picas" can be confusing for those unfamiliar with its origins. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as [dɪˈleɪtəri ˈpaɪkəz]. The first part, "dilatory," is pronounced with a short "i" sound and refers to delaying or procrastinating. The second part, "picas," is pronounced with a long "i" sound and refers to a unit of measure in typesetting. Together, the phrase refers to delayed printing caused by a shortage of type units, which often occurred in older printing technologies.
"Dilatory" refers to being slow, procrastinating, or causing delay. It suggests a tendency to postpone or put off tasks rather than completing them promptly. The term emphasizes a behavior or action that hinders or obstructs progress, often due to a lack of urgency or a desire to avoid immediate action.
"Picas" refers to a traditional unit of measurement commonly used in typography and typesetting. It refers to the width of a particular character or letter, usually equal to 12 points (approximately 1/6 inch or 4.23 mm).
When combined, "dilatory picas" could be understood as a figurative phrase that suggests unnecessary delays or stalling in a typographic or printing context. It entails the intentional or unintentional use of extra spaces between characters or words, elongating the overall length of a text or making it seem longer than necessary. Such delays could be caused by various factors, including indecisiveness, hesitations, or a lack of attention to detail.
The term "dilatory picas" underscores the importance of efficient typographic practices and the need to avoid unnecessary delays or prolongations in the execution of printed materials. It serves as a reminder to typographers, typesetters, and designers to be mindful of their actions and to prioritize accuracy, precision, and timeliness in their work.