mode n.
[common] A general state, usually used with an adjective
describing the state. Use of the word `mode' rather than `state'
implies that the state is extended over time, and probably also
that some activity characteristic of that state is being carried
out. "No time to hack; I'm in thesis mode." In its jargon sense,
`mode' is most often attributed to people, though it is sometimes
applied to programs and inanimate objects. In particular, see
hack mode, day mode, night
mode, demo mode, fireworks mode, and yoyo mode; also talk mode.
One also often hears the verbs `enable' and `disable' used in
connection with jargon modes. Thus, for example, a sillier way of
saying "I'm going to crash" is "I'm going to enable crash mode
now". One might also hear a request to "disable flame mode,
please".
In a usage much closer to techspeak, a mode is a special state
that certain user interfaces must pass into in order to perform
certain functions. For example, in order to insert characters
into a document in the Unix editor vi, one must type
the "i" key, which invokes the "Insert" command. The effect of
this command is to put vi into "insert mode", in which typing the
"i" key has a quite different effect (to wit, it inserts an "i"
into the document). One must then hit another special key, "ESC",
in order to leave "insert mode". Nowadays, modeful interfaces are
generally considered losing but
survive in quite a few widely used tools built in less
enlightened times.