ProbableNamed from the place
New York second
noun · first attested 20th century
The shortest measurable interval, defined by the driver behind you.
A joking unit of time: the interval between a light turning green and the horn behind you.
40.7128°N -74.0061°W · Q60
Record
- Relationship
- Named from the place
- Confidence
- ProbableThe conventional story is likely, with caveats.
- Attested
- 20th century
- Part of speech
- noun
Explanations here are written for this atlas. Dictionary text is not copied; the sources are linked so the claim can be checked.
- Step 1
New York City
- In English
New York second
The joke circulated in American speech before Terry Pratchett fixed it in print as the smallest unit of time known to science. It flatters and insults the city in the same breath, which is why New Yorkers repeat it themselves.
Also pinned to New York City
3 more from the same place
United States
All 153 entries 149 more words from United States
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