/ˈoʊnəʊˌsɛkənd/
Definition
The infinitesimally brief moment between performing an irreversible action and fully comprehending its catastrophic consequences. Typically accompanied by a sinking stomach, a frozen cursor, and the haunting echo of one’s own “oh no.”
Common Manifestations
- Executing rm -rf before confirming you’re in /home/jhacker/tempfiles and not /.
- Hitting “Send” on a libellous email, then noticing the recipient is CC’d.
- Typing DROP DATABASE ‘customers’; COMMIT; while connected to Production, not Test.
- Accepting a calendar invite titled “quick sync” that secretly lasts 90 minutes.
- Deploying during a production Freeze.
Usage Example
“The ohnosecond stretched into eternity as Jenkins gleefully reported success.”
HR Guidance
The ohnosecond is an unavoidable rite of passage in both technology and life. To mitigate recurrence, implement backups, two-person approvals, and mandatory mindfulness training immediately after uttering the words, “It’ll only take a minute.”