(UK) Fairly recently.
"How long have you been in the service?" ―"Not long."
Not long means: Fairly recently.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
Not long means: Fairly recently.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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I was very specifically told, by this White House, that their capability had been totally obliterated not long ago and any question of that was fake news. WTF man.
not long means: Fairly recently.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.
“I see the London marathon is taking place over 2 days next year. Still probably not long enough for me to finish it.”
“I heard a bit of squabbling in the bushes and peeked in…. Fox cubs - not long out of their den.”
“I was very specifically told, by this White House, that their capability had been totally obliterated not long ago and any question of that was fake news. WTF man.”
“That’s good you’ve not long to wait now. Let’s hope it does the trick 🤞”
“reggie’s not long gone to bed.”
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