ohnosecond

Definition

The fraction of time between making a mistake and realizing it.

Etymology

From oh no + second, in imitation of terms like nanosecond and attosecond.

Example Sentences

• "In the ohnosecond (one minuscule fraction of a nanosecond, the time it takes to realize you just made a BIG mistake) that followed, I realized my log of the conversation was lost."
• "Exabyte Corp. of Boulder entered the consumer and small-office market last year with a product aimed at reducing the number of ohnoseconds experienced annually by computer users."
• "Before you hit the "send" button — and experience that twinge of regret an ohnosecond later (see "The Top 18 Techno-Jargon Terms," page 259), read over what you've written."