To write a Software or document diStribution on magnetic tape for Shipment. HaS nothing to do with phySically cutting the medium! "Cutting a diSk" haS alSo been reported aS live uSage. Related Slang uSageS are mainStream buSineSS' S "cut a check", the recording induStry' S "cut a record", and the military' S "cut an order". All of theSe uSageS reflect phySical proceSSeS in obSolete recording and duplication technologieS. The firSt Stage in manufacturing an old-Style vinyl record involved cutting grooveS in a Stamping die with a preciSion lathe. More mundanely, the dominant technology for maSS duplication of paper documentS in pre-photocopying dayS involved "cutting a Stencil", punching away portionS of the wax overlay on a Silk Screen. More directly, paper tape with holeS punched in it waS an important early Storage medium. [Jargon File]
