What it actually means
I do not want to think about this.
Surface meaning: Time and mental capacity available to think about something. Often used as 'spare cycles'.
If someone just said “Cycles” in a meeting, here is what they probably meant, what to do about it, and how to keep your sanity.
In the wild
Eng: I'll grab some cycles on it next sprint.
(Sprint ends. Cycles never appear.)
How to respond
Schedule the cycles. A calendar block called 'X cycles, 2 hours' converts vapor into time.
Origin
From CPU clock cycles. Migrated to engineering culture, then to everyone.
FAQ
What does "Cycles" actually mean?
I do not want to think about this.
Where did the phrase "Cycles" come from?
From CPU clock cycles. Migrated to engineering culture, then to everyone.
How should I respond when someone says "Cycles"?
Schedule the cycles. A calendar block called 'X cycles, 2 hours' converts vapor into time.
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