A questioner on the Guardian 'Notes and Queries' page says that 'stat' is a shortened form of the Latin for 'without delay' and asks 'Why do only Americans use it ?'. So, firstly, what Latin text is it from? Stat means 'he, she or it stands/is standing', which doesn't suggest haste And secondly do Americans use it and, if so, when and how commonly?
Merriam-Webster: Etymology: from stat, abbreviation for L. statim : without delay : IMMEDIATELY <get a doctor stat>
Why do only Americans use it? I'm just guessing, but it seems to me that it has came into common usage through medical usage. If I'm right, that suggests two possibilities: 1) Medical shorthand is different in US and UK hospitals. 2) Some popularizer (a television show?) introduced it in the US, but that popularizer didn't happen in the UK. That's all just guessing, though.
According to my dictionary "stat" is derived from the Latin 'statim'and the #1 meaning is 'immediately'. #2 static, #3 stationary, #4 statistics, #5 statuary #6 statue, #7 statute (miles), #8 statute(s).
The only Americans I've seen or heard using it are in TV medical shows, so we know great haste is called for.
STAT: Medical term used to imply urgent or rush. It may appear in lower case letters as stat or in capital letters as STAT, as in "Treatment may include STAT surgery." The term is derived from the Latin word "statim" which means immediately.
Posts: 3165 | Location: From the Mountains to the Sea. | Registered: 06-08-02
Originally posted by FredPuli: Thanks. Now I'll answer the question ( though whether the Editors will allow me a plug for Answerpool in my reply is uncertain )
Go for it Fred STAT...immediately.
Posts: 13342 | Location: 6 miles west of Wigan UK | Registered: 06-05-02
And secondly do Americans use it and, if so, when and how commonly?
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