Tempus fugit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tempus fugit is a Latin expression meaning "time flees", more commonly translated as "time flies". It is frequently used as an inscription on clocks. The expression was first used in the verse Georgica written by Roman poet Virgil: Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus, which means, "But it flees in the meantime: irretrievable time flees".
The meaning is sometimes used less colloquially as: "Meanwhile, the irreplaceable time escapes", expressing concern that one's limited time is being consumed by something which may have little intrinsic substance or importance at that moment.
[edit] Uses in modern entertainment and literature
- It is the title of a composition by the progressive rock group Yes, from the 1980 album Drama.
- Tempus Fugit is the title of a song by jazz trumpeter Miles Davis.
- It is also the title of a famous composition Tempus Fugue-It (aka Tempus Fugit) by the jazz pianist Bud Powell.
- The phrase was as the title for an episode of The X-Files, in which time flies--in fact disappears entirely.
- Sir Walter Ralegh combines carpe diem and tempus fugit to show the theme of his famous poem "The Nymph's Reply To The Shepherd" in an unusual way. Normally, we should seize the day because time flies. In his poem, Ralegh argues that because time flies, we should not seize the day.
- Temple Fugate, a play on the phrase, is the real name of the Clock King, a time-themed villain in Batman: The Animated Series.
- "Tempus Fugitive" is the title of a very popular episode of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, wherin H. G. Wells enlists the aid of Lois and Clark to stop his former assistant, a man named Tempus, who has stolen Wells' time machine to wreak havoc by changing history.
- In the "Temporary Relief Trailer Park Supervisor" episode of the Canadian television mockumentary, Trailer Park Boys, Mr. Lahey tells Ricky tempus fugit when he sleeps in for his first day of work. Ricky responds by asking, "What the fuck does tempus fuckit mean?" Mr. Lahey responds by telling Ricky, "Ignorance is bliss, when 'tis folly to be wise."
- In the "Relativity" episode (Season 5) of Star Trek: Voyager, Lt. Ducane uses the phrase while talking to Captain Braxton aboard the Federation Timeship Relativity in the 29th century.
- Name given to North American P51D Mustang flown by Colonel William Daniel, 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, 15th A.A.F.
- Tempus Fugit is the title of a Machinae Supremacy song off of the album "Deus Ex Machina"
- On the website "The Wiire," the newest "Wiirey" Awards subtitle is Tempus Fugit, saying it's been a long time since the last "Wiireys"
- "Name of an album by Factory Records' Durutti Column
[edit] See also
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