The Errant Chronoveridic Interval
Noun Phrase | /ˈɛɹ.ənt ˌkɹoʊ.noʊˈvɛɹ.ɪ.dɪk ˈɪn.tə.vəl/
エラント・クロノヴェリディック・インターバル
“When even the nonsense gets a turn.”
Definition
A rare, ironic moment in which a typically false, flawed, or absurd idea briefly appears or is correct—entirely due to the cyclical or coincidental nature of time. Often used to describe situations where broken logic, faulty predictions, or pseudoscience gain momentary validation.
.png)
Etymology
From errant (Latin errare, “to wander” or “go astray”), referring to something misguided or incorrect; chronoveridic (a neologism from Greek chronos, “time” + Latin veridicus, “truth-speaking”); and interval (Latin intervallum, “space between”), meaning a measurable moment in time.
Usage
- His blog entered an errant chronoveridic interval—wrong for years, right for a week.
- The YouTuber’s wild theory enjoyed an errant chronoveridic interval after a headline vaguely aligned with it.
- That prediction was no prophecy—it was an errant chronoveridic interval, nothing more.
Utilized Terms
- Errant — mistaken or straying from the proper course; derived from Latin errare.
- Chronoveridic — a neologism meaning “truthful by virtue of cyclical time”; from Greek chronos + Latin veridicus.
- Interval — a measurable space or period between events; from Latin intervallum.
Symbolic Associations
Often used in ironic, comedic, or philosophical commentary on falsehoods that gain temporary credibility. Invoked in internet culture, fortune-telling, broken systems, and “doomsday” predictions that momentarily seem valid.
Contextual Note
The phrase is inspired by the logic behind the saying, “Even a broken clock is right twice a day.” A popular variation sometimes quoted as: “A broken clock is right 730 times a year.”
While this line is often attributed to The X-Files, there is no verified record of it appearing in any official script or episode. Instead, it’s a playful exaggeration rooted in time math:
A broken analog clock—stuck at a fixed time (e.g., 6:30)—will display the correct time twice per day:
2 times/day × 365 days/year = 730 instances of “accidental truth” per year.
Katakana Breakdown
- エラント (eranto) — “errant,” mistaken, wayward
- クロノ (kurono) — from “chronos,” time
- ヴェリディック (veridikku) — “veridic,” truth-telling
- インターバル (intābaru) — interval, time window
: