Stay Tuned: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
May 13, 2023

People commonly use the phrase "stay tuned" when referring to television, radio, or social media updates. The idiom signals that updates will arrive shortly. Remaining tuned in implies something interesting is unfolding, and by paying attention, you'll learn details as they emerge.

In short:

"Stay tuned" implies to wait for more information or updates on a topic.

What Does "Stay Tuned" Mean?

When someone tells you to "stay tuned," they're asking you to keep paying attention to something currently happening because new information will appear soon. "Stay tuned" indicates something's developing, even without details to share yet.

For example:

  • The President will announce the news later today. Stay tuned for updates.
  • We're investigating the network outage. Stay tuned as we work to fix the issue.

Where Does "Stay Tuned" Come From?

The idiom "stay tuned" originated in the early days of radio and television broadcasting. "Tuned" relates to the act of adjusting a radio or TV set's frequency to receive a specific channel or station. In the early 1900s, radio announcers encouraged listeners to "stay tuned" for upcoming programs, ensuring they wouldn't switch stations.

Historical Examples

"People will tune our stations and stay tuned only if they like what we offer."

- Juvenile Delinquency Hearings Before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 1954

"The survey also shows that 85 per cent of the audience stay tuned to The Shadow, which comes on at 5 p.m."

- The Billboard Magazine, 1948

"Friday night's the night millions stay home and stay tuned to ABC!"

- Life Magazine, 1947

10 Examples of "Stay Tuned" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom used in various contexts:

  • Teens like to surf the net and stay tuned in to all the latest trends.
  • We'll be announcing the winner shortly, so stay tuned!
  • I stay tuned for the upcoming release of their new album; their music always resonates with me.
  • I can't reveal anything yet but stay tuned for an exciting announcement.
  • She told me to stay tuned for more information about the event.
  • Rest assured. There will be more updates to come, so stay tuned.
  • Stay tuned to this channel for live coverage of the game.
  • Stay tuned for more updates on our concert, but for now, peace out!
  • He said he had some big news to share soon, so we should stay tuned.
  • As an aside, there's an upcoming product launch, so stay tuned for more information.

Examples of "Stay Tuned" in Pop Culture

The phrase has been featured in various forms of pop culture, including movies, literature, and music.

Some notable examples are:

  • "Stay Tuned for Terror" is a 1965 Argentine-American sci-fi film directed by Emilio Vieyra, featuring a bizarre, hypnotic signal that invades TV screens in a Southern U.S. town.
  • "Stay Tuned: The Story of Radio in India" is a 2017 history book by Pankaj Athwale.
  • "Beach Bod Coming Soon Stay Tuned" is a 2019 fitness workout planner released by Bodybuilder Publishing.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Stay Tuned"

To better express the idea of anticipating more information or updates, you can use a variety of alternative phrases.

Here are other ways to say "stay tuned":

  • Keep an eye out
  • Watch this space
  • Don't go anywhere
  • Keep your ears open
  • Hang tight
  • Be on the lookout
  • Don't miss out
  • Stay alert
  • Await further updates
  • Keep checking back

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Stay Tuned":

  • What does "stay tuned" mean?

"Stay tuned" means to remain attentive for further information or developments on a topic.

  • Where did the idiom "stay tuned" come from?

The phrase started in the early 1900s with radio broadcasting. Radio announcers asked listeners to "stay tuned" so they wouldn't change stations during breaks.

  • Is "stay tuned" a formal or informal expression?

"Stay tuned" can be used both formally and informally, depending on the context.

  • Can "stay tuned" be used in written communication?

Yes, "stay tuned" can be used in written communication, such as emails or social media updates, to convey the same meaning as in spoken language.

  • Are there any synonyms for "stay tuned"?

Some synonyms for "stay tuned" include "keep an eye out," "watch this space," and "keep your ears open."

  • Can "stay tuned" be used sarcastically?

Yes, "stay tuned" can be used sarcastically to mock someone or a situation where nothing interesting is expected to happen.

  • Is "stay tuned" still used in radio and television?

Yes, "stay tuned" is still used in radio and television broadcasting to encourage listeners or viewers to continue following a program or channel.

  • What is the opposite of "stay tuned"?

There is no direct opposite of "stay tuned," but phrases like "never mind" or "forget about it" can convey a similar meaning in a negative context.

  • Can "stay tuned" be used with other subjects, like "stay tuned to her"?

Yes, "stay tuned" can be used with other subjects to emphasize the need to pay attention to a particular person, situation, or event.

Final Thoughts About "Stay Tuned"

The idiom "stay tuned" encourages people to wait for more information, updates, or developments on a particular topic. It is a versatile expression that originated in radio and television broadcasting, now used to encourage people to remain attentive for more information, updates, or developments on a particular topic. While technology changed, the meaning held: keep focusing here, more details incoming.

Key aspects of the phrase "stay tuned":

  • Originated in radio and television broadcasting
  • Encourages people to wait for more information or updates
  • It can be used in both formal and informal situations

By using this expression, you can create a sense of anticipation and maintain your audience's attention, ensuring they remain engaged and informed about the topic at hand.

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