What is the origin of the phrase "In a New York Minute"?

Answer 1

It does refer to New York City, was probably coined by a visitor, not a resident, and is far more often heard outside New York City than within it. That's the funny thing about such regional sayings -- the people who actually live in the locale referred to often don't use the phrase. In many cases, it's because the phrase is not complimentary. When I lived in Ohio and worked in a warehouse (ask me about my job history sometime), we routinely referred to an adjustable wrench as a "West Virginia socket set." The entirely unfair implication of the phrase was that our neighboring West Virginians wouldn't own the "proper" tools and would settle for a sloppy approach to the job.

The phrase "in a New York minute" is, however, not especially disparaging, and may even reflect a grudging respect for New Yorkers. A fascinating book by Irving Lewis Allen called "The City in Slang," published by Oxford University Press, traces "New York minute" to the frantic pace of life in the Big Apple. New Yorkers are presumed, by people living elsewhere in the U.S., to have no time for anything -- after all, the phrase "rush hour" was invented in New York, and that was way back in relatively laid-back 1890. Another phrase based on the same view of frenzied New York City life, although not so respectful, is "a New York kiss-off," which translates as "an extremely rude dismissal." Speaking as a New York City resident myself, I resent that one.

Answer 2

In 1492, when the pilgrims settled in what would become NYC, one of the children there who was known for his bravery sneaked out of the camp and looked for adventures. He quickly met with a native girl about his age (let's say 18, better for our times, but I assume they were younger). They started a secret love affair, kind of Romeo and Juliet style. After a few weeks, they decided to have sex. When the young european got naked, the native girl burst out laughing. Truth was she had never seen such a small penis. From that day on, native americans started to describe any undersized thing a "new york". So, a "New York Minute" was, for the native americans, a shorter period of time than a minute. Also see: "New York boobs"

Answer 3

New York has always been known for moving at a fast pace, so I always assumed this had to do with being even faster than a minute anywhere else.

Answer 4

New York Minute Idiom

Answer 5

everything in new york happens in exactly, exactly, 1.00 minutes.

Actually, it comes from the fact that New York life is fast-paced. I don't know why they don't use "In a Valdberghoff-trarbk-dikdorf Minute". I mean, it's so obvious. People are weird.

Answer 6

Well our culture has been convinced that condoms are a great thing because it helps avoid the consequences of sex outside of marriage. Therefore in that context, there is nothing wrong with it. But as a Christian, I think we need to put our moneys and energys into things that actually HELP people and teach them. Sex outside of marriage is foolhearty in ways and should be discouraged despite our culture's message about condoms.

Answer 7

Not sure how to answer this one

Answer 8

Thankyou for the answers, greatly appreciated