Iliff-King phrasebook Iliff-King phrasebook Iliff-King phrasebook

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definition

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parroty error expression or saying

When your parrot says “pieces of seven”

Origin

Computer nerd riff on parity error

Collector

M & N – 1980s
Mark & Naomi

Notes

It’s an error detection measure. Of the 8 bits¹ in a byte, 7 carry information whilst the only role of the 8ᵗʰ is to make the total number of 1s in the byte even². The integrity of the byte can then be checked by counting the 1s.

Meanwhile, parrots are reputed to be fond of saying “pieces of eight”.

¹binary digits, 0s or 1s
²or odd, according to system

Submitted: 01/03/2022 by Mark ● Last updated: 22/01/2024 12:10 by Mark

any thoughts?

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