The word TARDY, meaning unpunctual

[CHAPPERS]

Does it stem from the fact that people who can't read watches are retarded?

 

[Marc]

I've only EVER heard that word used in Back To The Future, I was confused as to what it meant but no my mind rests easy

 

[Le Premier Cru]

My assumption's always been that it derives from the French word 'tard' (pronounced with a guttural r and a silent d) = late.

 

[Hungry Joe]

My assumption's always been that it derives from the French word 'tard' (pronounced with a guttural r and a silent d) = late.

That is correct but I prefer Chappers' definition.

 

[NMH]

So that's where The TARDIS got its name, perhaps ?

 

[Hungry Joe]

So that's where The TARDIS got its name, perhaps ?

Interesting theory but TARDIS is an abbreviation of time and relative dimension in space. What a f***ing nerd I am knowing that.

 

[Tesco in Disguise]

'tardis' is not an abbreviation. it is an acronym.
who's the nerd now?