Thread: What does it mean 'another first'?

Could anyone explain what does it mean 'another first' and what's the origin of that phrase?

Zuckermann and coauthor Christian Kisielowski reached another first by using the TEAM 0.5 microscope at the National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM) to observe individual polymer chains within the peptoid material [...]

Originally Posted by Crocodile

Could anyone explain what [s:254ct3nt]does it mean[/s:254ct3nt] 'another first' means and what's the origin of that phrase?

Zuckermann and coauthor Christian Kisielowski reached another first by using the TEAM 0.5 microscope at the National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM) to observe individual polymer chains within the peptoid material [...]

This phrase refers to the first time something has happened. It can be the first time it has ever happened or the first time it has happened to/with a specific person/group/team/whatever.

"Rubin Kazan won the Russian Premier League title for the first time in 2008 and the next year achieved another first by participating in the Champions League".

"Tom is very shy around girls, so gathering the courage to ask Mary out was a first for him."


I'd say it's somewhat colloquial.

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by Crocodile

'another first'

For well established research teams on the cutting edge of research, it is common to have new technological innovations. Lots of bucks. Thus they have a string of cutting edge firsts. First bla bla bla, first this, first that. And another first...

Also in academia is continual need to be publicized. And so continual striving for new firsts. You have to be in the press all the time, to have best chance at grants, funding, etc. It's a little like hollywood science or barnum and bailey science. the latest greatest gee whiz factor. If thing is not new first, it's boring, people won't read. No grants.

One-up-man-ship continually.

Thanks, Seraph!