The spelling of "goes tangent" is derived from the pronunciation of the word. In IPA phonetic transcription, "goes" is pronounced as /ɡoʊz/, with the letter "o" pronounced as the diphthong /oʊ/. "Tangent" is pronounced as /ˈtændʒənt/, with the "g" being pronounced as the voiced velar fricative /ɡ/. When put together, the phrase "goes tangent" refers to a line or curve that touches a circle at exactly one point without crossing it.
"Goes tangent" is a colloquial idiom used to describe a situation or scenario where someone or something suddenly deviates from the main topic, purpose, or focus of a conversation, discussion, or narrative, often in an unexpected or unrelated manner. Derived from the mathematical term "tangent," which refers to a straight line that touches a curve at a single point without intersecting it, this idiom signifies a sudden diversion or digression from the original subject matter.
When someone "goes tangent," they shift the direction of the conversation abruptly, introducing a new topic or idea that may not be directly related to what was being discussed. This deviation can stem from an individual's wandering thoughts, a lack of focus, or simply a desire to introduce their own agenda or interests. Consequently, the flow of conversation may be disrupted, creating confusion or requiring efforts to get back on track.
The phrase "goes tangent" can also be used to describe situations where a narrative or story strays from its primary plotline or theme, introducing secondary or unrelated events or characters. In literature or filmmaking, a storyline may "go tangent" when it diverts from the original narrative arc, misleading or distracting the audience from the central plot.
Overall, "goes tangent" implies a departure from a central topic or path, often resulting in a diversion or interruption in a conversation, discussion, or narrative.
The phrase "goes tangent" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words. However, to understand the origin of each component:
1. "Goes" is the present form of the verb "go", which derives from the Old English word "gān". This word can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, where it was spelled as "gānaz". Ultimately, the word's roots can be found in the Proto-Indo-European language.
2. "Tangent" is a noun that comes from the Latin word "tangere", meaning "to touch". This Latin term developed into the noun "tangens" or "tangentis", which refers to something that touches or makes contact with another thing. This, in turn, influenced the English word "tangent".