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A New York minute is a very brief moment, significantly shorter than a real minute. The term refers to the common perception that New York City is very busy; much is happening at all hours of the day, people are often in a hurry and can be impatient.
It is an old joke in New York City and many other places that a New York minute is defined as the amount of time between the light in front of you turning green and the taxicab behind you honking (which may actually be half a second or so).
In the common vernacular, the term may also be used to berate someone, akin to "giving them hell". For example:
- Juan: "Is George back from the store yet?"
- Ana: "No, they were out of milk again, and he's giving them a New York minute."
Contrast with the idea of Internet time or a country mile.
"New York Minute" is the title of a popular song by Don Henley of The Eagles.
An album of jazz singer Ian Shaw is also called "In New York Minute" (1998).
New York Minute is a 2004 film starring the Olsen twins.
"New York Minute" is a prominent marketing phrase and a chapter title in the computer/video game Max Payne.
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