What's the definition of, and origin of, "a New York minute"?
Thanks!!
FM
It's an instant. The classic definition is "the time between when the light turns green and the guy behind you honks his horn." Here's Wordorigins' take on the subject:
http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/site/new_york_minute/
Could be but...
The complete phrase used in the South predates "Hereees Johnny" and is self-explanatory e.g. "Free beer? I'll be there in a New York minute and that ain't but thirty seconds!"
circa 1958
The "free beer" is good for me!
Your's is the definition I've heard.