Besides being a great way to dump a rack full of vowels in Scrabble, queue is an English word with French and Latin origins. It has morphed from its original identity as a noun to the verb we are all familiar with today.
Definition
According to the Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English, "queue" is defined as "a line or sequence of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed." So, if you're waiting in line, you are in a queue.
Region
Although "queue" is a commonly known word in English speaking populations, it is primarily used in British dialects. In 1950, Winston Churchill referred to British Socialism as a "Queuetopia."
Pronunciation and Misuse
The word "queue" is pronounced "cue", however the two words are not interchangeable. "Cue" is frequently misused by writers in describing lists of objects.
Etymology
Queue is derived from the Latin word "coda", meaning "tail." By the 15th century, the French adapted it to form "queue." also meaning "tail." By the 18th century, "queue" had entered the English lexicon but was used to describe a different kind of tail--a braid of hair. By the 20th century it was being used as a verb meaning "to line up," as we use it today.
Technology
In the electronic world, a queue is used to describe data that is stacked. One item, file or figure is dealt with at a time, usually from oldest to newest.
