newyork.localmean.com/a-minute
A minute
uh MIN-it
Local meaning
A noticeably long or indefinite amount of time, especially in phrases such as it’s been a minute.
A minute often works nonliterally to mean quite a while. The expression is widespread, but it is especially natural in casual New York greetings, reunions, delays, and comments about something not done recently.
Example in context
- “I haven’t been back to that block in a minute.”
How it is used
Widespread informal English with familiar New York conversational use.
casual, reflective, familiar
reunions, delays, memories, plans
Widespread informal English with familiar New York conversational use.
The phrase is deliberately imprecise. It may mean days, months, or years rather than exactly sixty seconds.
Spelling and scope
Widespread informal English with familiar New York conversational use.
- Search forms
been a minute meaningNew York a minute slanghaven't seen you in a minute
LocalMean keeps common search spellings discoverable without claiming that every borough, community, or generation uses one written form.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a minute in slang?
There is no fixed length. It means a while or longer than expected, with context showing whether that is days, months, or years.
Is been a minute only New York slang?
No. It is widespread informal English, though it is common and culturally familiar in New York conversation.
Read next
All words →Evidence and further reading
These sources support the regional association, dictionary sense, or broader spread. The entry remains open to correction from New York speakers and qualified reviewers.
- New York Slang: 59 NYC Slang Words Every New Yorker Should KnowDominican Abroad
A New York-raised writer's usage guide covering expressions including a minute, dub, bet, yerrr, and other locally familiar forms.
- The Life Cycle of Internet SlangarXiv
Research on how slang spreads, changes, and becomes less locally exclusive online.