tangential remarks
[tænˈdʒɛnʃəl rɪˈmɑrks]
noun phrasepl: tangential remarks
observações tangenciais
1. Comments or statements that deviate from the main topic; remarks that touch upon a subject peripherally without directly addressing it
The professor made several tangential remarks about history before returning to the main lesson.
O professor fez várias observações tangenciais sobre história antes de retornar à lição principal.
2. Statements that are only slightly related to the matter being discussed; comments that go off on a tangent
His tangential remarks during the meeting distracted everyone from the agenda.
Suas observações tangenciais durante a reunião distraíram todos da pauta.
In Brazilian academic and professional environments, tangential remarks are often viewed as a sign of lack of focus or poor communication skills. In American culture, particularly in creative contexts, such remarks may be more tolerated or even appreciated as demonstrations of lateral thinking. The phrase is commonly used in both formal presentations and casual discussions to gently critique someone for losing focus on the main topic.
NYC Slang
going off on a tangent; getting sidetracked
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