Top 48 Slang For Interim – Meaning & Usage

In the fast-paced world of work and business, staying up-to-date with the latest lingo is crucial. “Slang for Interim” is a collection of terms that will help you navigate the world of temporary positions and transitions with ease. Let us guide you through this list of trendy phrases and expressions that are sure to impress your colleagues and keep you in the loop. Stay ahead of the curve and boost your professional vocabulary with our expertly curated selection!

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1. Temp

A “temp” is a person who is hired for a short period of time to fill in for someone who is absent or to handle a temporary increase in workload. Temp work is often used to provide flexibility for employers and to give workers a chance to gain experience or earn income between jobs.

For example, “I’m working as a temp at the office until they find a permanent replacement.”
A person might say, “I’ve been doing temp work for a few months, and it’s been a great way to gain new skills.”
In a conversation about employment, someone might ask, “Have you ever done temp work?”

2. Fill-in

A “fill-in” is someone who temporarily takes over a role or position in the absence of the regular person. This term is often used in situations where someone is temporarily unable to fulfill their responsibilities, such as during a vacation or illness.

For instance, “I’ll be the fill-in for the lead singer while she’s on maternity leave.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “The coach decided to put the rookie in as a fill-in for the injured player.”
A person might ask, “Can you be a fill-in for the meeting tomorrow?”

3. Stand-in

A “stand-in” is a person who temporarily takes the place of someone else, often in a performance or appearance. This term is commonly used in entertainment and media industries, where actors or models may have stand-ins for certain scenes or events.

For example, “The actor had a stand-in for the dangerous stunts in the movie.”
In a conversation about a music concert, someone might say, “The singer had a stand-in for the rehearsal while they were resting their voice.”
A person might ask, “Can you find a stand-in for the photo shoot?”

4. Stopgap

A “stopgap” is a temporary measure or solution that is used to fill a gap or address an immediate need. This term is often used when a more permanent solution is not yet available or feasible.

For instance, “The company implemented a stopgap measure to address the sudden increase in demand.”
In a discussion about infrastructure, someone might say, “Repairing the bridge was a stopgap solution until a new one could be built.”
A person might ask, “Do you have any ideas for a stopgap solution to the problem?”

5. Pro tem

The term “pro tem” is short for “pro tempore,” which means “for the time being” or “temporarily” in Latin. It is often used to describe someone who is temporarily fulfilling a role or position, such as a pro tem mayor or pro tem committee chair.

For example, “The city council appointed a pro tem mayor until the next election.”
In a discussion about leadership transitions, someone might say, “The pro tem president will oversee the organization until a permanent replacement is found.”
A person might ask, “Who will be the pro tem chair for the upcoming meeting?”

6. Acting

This term refers to someone who is temporarily fulfilling a role or position. It is often used to describe someone who is temporarily taking on the responsibilities of another person.

For example, “The CEO is on vacation, so the CFO is acting as CEO in the interim.”
In a theater production, someone might say, “The lead actor is sick, so we need to find an acting replacement.”
A manager might say, “We need to find an acting supervisor until we can hire someone permanently.”

7. Interim

This term is used to describe something that is temporary or in place for a short period of time. It often refers to a temporary solution or arrangement.

For instance, “We need to find an interim solution until we can implement a permanent fix.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We have appointed an interim CEO while we search for a permanent one.”
A teacher might say, “We have an interim schedule until the construction is completed.”

8. Transition

This term refers to a period of change or movement from one state or condition to another. It often describes a process of moving from one thing to another.

For example, “The company is going through a transition as it adopts new technology.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “I’m in transition between jobs right now.”
A coach might say, “We need to make a smooth transition from offense to defense.”

9. Provisional

This term describes something that is temporary or conditional. It often refers to a temporary measure or arrangement that is put in place until a permanent solution can be found.

For instance, “We have issued a provisional license until the official one arrives.”
In a legal context, someone might say, “The court has granted a provisional injunction until the case is resolved.”
A professor might say, “We have a provisional syllabus until the final one is approved.”

10. Substitute

This term refers to someone or something that takes the place of another temporarily. It often describes a temporary replacement or stand-in.

For example, “The teacher is out sick, so we need a substitute for the day.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “The star player is injured, so we need a substitute to take their place.”
A manager might say, “We need a substitute for the receptionist until they return from vacation.”

11. Ad interim

Ad interim is a Latin term that means “in the meantime” or “for the time being.” It is used to describe a temporary or interim appointment or position.

For example, “The CEO resigned, and the CFO was appointed ad interim until a permanent replacement is found.”
In a discussion about government positions, someone might say, “The ad interim governor will serve until the next election.”
A news article might mention, “The ad interim committee will oversee the project until a permanent committee is formed.”

12. Interlude

Interlude refers to a short period of time between two events or activities. It can also refer to a break or pause in the middle of a longer activity or performance.

For instance, “We had a brief interlude before continuing with the meeting.”
In a conversation about a concert, someone might say, “The band played a beautiful piano interlude.”
A person discussing their day might mention, “I took a relaxing interlude between work tasks.”

13. Make-do

Make-do is a term used to describe a temporary solution or improvisation when faced with a lack of resources or proper tools.

For example, “We didn’t have a ladder, so we had to make-do with a chair to reach the top shelf.”
In a discussion about cooking, someone might say, “I didn’t have all the ingredients, so I had to make-do with what I had in the pantry.”
A person sharing a DIY project might mention, “I couldn’t find the exact materials, so I had to make-do with some alternative options.”

14. Band-aid

Band-aid is a term used to describe a temporary or superficial solution to a problem. It implies that the solution is not a permanent fix, but rather a temporary remedy.

For instance, “We applied a band-aid solution to the issue, but we’ll need to find a more permanent fix.”
In a conversation about software bugs, someone might say, “The developer implemented a band-aid fix to stop the crashing, but it needs further debugging.”
A person discussing relationship issues might mention, “Couples therapy can be like a band-aid if the underlying issues aren’t addressed.”

15. Gap-filler

Gap-filler refers to a person or thing that fills a temporary vacancy or fulfills a temporary need. It is often used to describe a temporary replacement for someone or something that is absent or unavailable.

For example, “The intern served as a gap-filler while the regular employee was on vacation.”
In a discussion about substitute teachers, someone might say, “The substitute teacher acted as a gap-filler until the regular teacher returned.”
A news article might mention, “The temporary CEO will act as a gap-filler until a permanent CEO is hired.”

16. Patch

A “patch” refers to a temporary fix or solution to a problem or issue. It is often used in technology or software contexts to describe a small update or modification that addresses a specific problem or bug.

For example, “I applied a patch to fix the bug in the program.”
In a discussion about a broken pipe, someone might say, “We need to apply a patch to stop the leak until we can replace the pipe.”
A person might use the term metaphorically and say, “I need a quick patch for my broken heart.”

17. Proxy

A “proxy” refers to a person or thing that acts as a substitute or representative for someone or something else. It is often used in situations where someone cannot be present or perform a task themselves.

For instance, “I can’t attend the meeting, so please be my proxy.”
In a political context, a person might say, “The senator couldn’t be there, so his proxy voted on his behalf.”
A person might use the term in a personal context and say, “I sent my friend as a proxy to pick up my package.”

18. Quick fix

A “quick fix” refers to a temporary solution or remedy that is implemented to address a problem or issue in a short amount of time. It is often used when a more permanent or thorough solution is not immediately available.

For example, “I used duct tape as a quick fix for the broken chair.”
In a discussion about a leaking faucet, someone might say, “I applied a quick fix until the plumber can come.”
A person might use the term metaphorically and say, “Retail therapy is just a quick fix for my stress.”

19. Standby

To be “on standby” means to be ready and waiting for action or to be available as a backup or reserve. It is often used in situations where someone or something is prepared to take over or step in if needed.

For instance, “The paramedics were on standby in case of an emergency.”
In a travel context, a person might say, “I’m on standby for the next flight.”
A person might use the term in a work context and say, “I’ll be on standby in case anything goes wrong.”

20. Holding

To be “holding” something means to have temporary possession or control over it. It is often used when someone is in charge or responsible for something for a short period of time.

For example, “She’s holding my phone while I go to the bathroom.”
In a business context, someone might say, “I’m holding the meeting until the boss arrives.”
A person might use the term in a social context and say, “I’m holding the table for our group at the restaurant.”

21. Short-term

This term refers to a situation, arrangement, or plan that is intended to last for a brief period of time. It is often used to describe something that is not permanent or long-lasting.

For example, “We need to come up with a short-term solution to this problem until we find a permanent fix.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We’re experiencing a short-term decrease in sales, but we expect it to pick up soon.”
A student might mention, “I’m taking a short-term job over the summer to earn some extra money.”

22. Jury-rigged

This term refers to something that has been assembled or repaired hastily and with materials that are not intended for the purpose. It often implies a makeshift or temporary solution that may not be ideal or long-lasting.

For instance, “The car broke down, so we jury-rigged a temporary fix to get it back on the road.”
In a DIY project, someone might say, “I jury-rigged a makeshift shelf using some spare wood and zip ties.”
A person discussing a temporary repair might say, “I jury-rigged a quick fix for the leaking faucet until the plumber arrives.”

23. Makeshift

This term refers to something that is used as a substitute or replacement for the proper or desired item. It is often used to describe something that is put together quickly and without much planning, typically in a temporary or emergency situation.

For example, “We used a stack of books as a makeshift table until we could buy a proper one.”
In a camping scenario, someone might say, “We built a makeshift shelter using branches and tarps.”
A person discussing a temporary solution might say, “I created a makeshift office space in my living room while I work from home.”

24. Interregnum

This term refers to a period of time between the end of one thing and the beginning of another. It is often used to describe a temporary break, pause, or gap in a continuous process or sequence.

For instance, “There was an interregnum between the old CEO leaving and the new one starting.”
In a political context, someone might say, “The country is currently in an interregnum, waiting for the new government to be formed.”
A person discussing a transition might mention, “We’re in an interregnum phase as we switch from the old system to the new one.”

25. Transitionary

This term refers to something that is in a state of transition or undergoing a change. It is often used to describe a temporary phase or period of adjustment between two distinct states or conditions.

For example, “The company is in a transitionary phase as it adopts new technologies.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “I’m in a transitionary period between jobs, trying to figure out my next career move.”
A person discussing a temporary change might mention, “This is just a transitionary measure until we implement a more permanent solution.”

26. Temporarily

This word refers to something that is only meant to last for a short period of time. It is often used to describe a temporary situation or arrangement.

For example, “I am temporarily staying at my friend’s house until I find my own place.”
In a work setting, a manager might say, “We need someone to temporarily fill in for the receptionist while she is on vacation.”
A student might say, “I am temporarily taking a break from school to focus on my health.”

27. In the meantime

This phrase is used to refer to the time between two events or actions. It is often used to describe what happens while waiting for something else to happen.

For instance, “I am waiting for my flight to London. In the meantime, I’ll grab a coffee.”
In a conversation about job searching, someone might say, “I am waiting to hear back from the company. In the meantime, I am continuing to apply to other positions.”
A person might use this phrase to say, “I am finishing up some work. In the meantime, could you please start preparing dinner?”

28. In the meanwhile

This phrase is similar to “in the meantime” and is also used to refer to the time between two events or actions. It is often used to describe what happens while waiting for something else to happen.

For example, “I am waiting for my appointment. In the meanwhile, I’ll read a book.”
In a discussion about renovations, someone might say, “We are waiting for the paint to dry. In the meanwhile, we can start assembling the furniture.”
A person might use this phrase to say, “I am finishing up some work. In the meanwhile, could you please start preparing dinner?”

29. For now

This phrase is used to indicate that something is true or valid at the present time, but may change in the future. It implies a temporary state or arrangement.

For instance, “I am not ready to make a decision yet. For now, I will just keep my options open.”
In a conversation about future plans, someone might say, “I am not sure where I want to live long-term. For now, I am happy where I am.”
A person might say, “I am not ready to commit to a relationship right now. For now, I am just enjoying being single.”

30. For the moment

This phrase is used to indicate that something is true or valid at the present time, but may change in the future. It implies a temporary state or arrangement.

For example, “I am not available to help right now. For the moment, I am busy with another task.”
In a conversation about travel plans, someone might say, “I haven’t decided where to go yet. For the moment, I am considering a few different options.”
A person might say, “I am not ready to make a decision yet. For the moment, I am just gathering information.”

31. For the time being

This phrase is used to indicate that something is only happening or valid at the present moment and may change in the future. It implies a temporary state or arrangement.

For example, “I’ll be staying with my parents for the time being until I find a new apartment.”
A manager might say, “We don’t have a permanent solution yet, so for the time being, let’s use this workaround.”
In a discussion about job prospects, someone might say, “I’m working part-time for the time being while I search for a full-time position.”

32. In the interim

This phrase is used to indicate a temporary period of time between two events or actions. It implies that something else will happen or change in the future.

For instance, “Our regular teacher is on leave, so in the interim, we’ll have a substitute.”
A project manager might say, “We’re waiting for the final approval, but in the interim, let’s start working on the next phase.”
In a conversation about travel plans, someone might say, “I haven’t decided where to go for my vacation yet. In the interim, I’ll just enjoy some local day trips.”

33. For a while

This phrase is used to indicate a period of time that is longer than just a few moments or minutes. It implies a temporary duration or delay.

For example, “I haven’t seen her for a while. I wonder how she’s doing.”
A friend might say, “I’ll be out of town for a while, so let’s meet up when I get back.”
In a discussion about a long-distance relationship, someone might say, “We’re apart for a while, but we’ll see each other again soon.”

34. For the interim

This phrase is used to indicate the period of time between two events or actions. It implies that something else will happen or change in the future.

For instance, “Our new office space is being renovated. For the interim, we’ll work from a temporary location.”
A student might say, “I’m waiting for my scholarship application results. For the interim, I’ll continue working part-time.”
In a conversation about a delayed flight, someone might say, “The airline offered us vouchers for the interim while they arrange a new flight.”

35. For the meantime

This phrase is used to indicate the period of time between two events or actions. It implies that something else will happen or change in the future.

For example, “We’re waiting for the official announcement. For the meantime, let’s prepare for different scenarios.”
A homeowner might say, “We’re saving up for renovations. For the meantime, we’ll focus on small improvements.”
In a discussion about a pending decision, someone might say, “We can’t proceed until we receive further instructions. For the meantime, let’s work on other tasks.”

36. Placeholder

A placeholder is a temporary substitute for something that is not yet available or finalized. It is often used when creating drafts or prototypes.

For example, a web designer might use a placeholder image until the actual image is ready to be used.
In a presentation, a speaker might say, “Please excuse the placeholder text, we are still finalizing the content.”
A developer might use a placeholder variable in their code before assigning a specific value to it.

37. Ad hoc

Ad hoc refers to something that is done on the spot or created for a specific purpose without prior planning or organization.

For instance, a team might have an ad hoc meeting to discuss an urgent issue.
In a work setting, someone might say, “We need to come up with an ad hoc solution to fix this problem.”
A group of friends might plan an ad hoc gathering for drinks after work.

38. Patch-up

Patch-up refers to a temporary fix or solution to a problem or situation. It is often used when a more permanent solution is not immediately available.

For example, if a pipe is leaking, someone might patch it up with duct tape until a plumber can fix it properly.
In a relationship, a couple might patch things up after a disagreement by talking and resolving their issues.
A software developer might patch up a bug in their code until they can release a more comprehensive update.

39. Holding pattern

Holding pattern refers to a temporary state of waiting or delay, often used when there is uncertainty or indecision.

For instance, if a project is put on hold, it is said to be in a holding pattern.
In aviation, planes might enter a holding pattern when there is congestion or bad weather at the destination airport.
In a business context, someone might say, “We’re currently in a holding pattern until we receive further instructions.”

40. Whistle-stop

Whistle-stop refers to a brief stopover or visit, often used in a political context to describe a short campaign tour or series of public appearances.

For example, during an election, a candidate might go on a whistle-stop tour to connect with voters in various cities.
In a historical context, someone might say, “The president made a whistle-stop speech during his campaign.”
A journalist might report, “The mayor made a surprise whistle-stop visit to a local school.”

41. In-between

This term refers to a period of time that is between two other periods or events. It can also describe something that is intermediate or not fully developed.

For example, “I’m in-between jobs right now, so I’m taking some time to travel.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “We’re in an in-between stage where we’re not officially dating but more than just friends.”
A person describing their current living situation might say, “I’m staying at a friend’s place in the in-between time while I look for a new apartment.”

42. Sub

This slang term is short for “substitute” and is used to refer to someone or something that is filling in for another person or thing temporarily.

For instance, “I can’t make it to the meeting, so can you be my sub?”
In a conversation about a missing teacher, a student might say, “We had a sub today because our teacher is sick.”
A person discussing a temporary replacement for an employee might say, “We hired a sub while our receptionist is on maternity leave.”

43. Backup

This term refers to someone or something that provides support or serves as a replacement in case the original person or thing fails or is unavailable.

For example, “I always keep a backup of my important files in case my computer crashes.”
In a discussion about a sports team, someone might say, “The backup quarterback came in and led the team to victory.”
A person talking about a contingency plan might say, “We have a backup generator in case of a power outage.”

44. Emergency

This word is used to describe a sudden and unexpected situation that requires immediate action or attention.

For instance, “We had to call an ambulance because there was a medical emergency.”
In a conversation about a car breakdown, someone might say, “I had to pull over to the side of the road because of an emergency with my engine.”
A person discussing emergency preparedness might say, “It’s important to have a plan in place for different types of emergencies, such as natural disasters or fires.”

45. Patched-up

This term is used to describe something that has been repaired or fixed in a temporary or makeshift way.

For example, “I patched up the hole in my jeans with some fabric glue.”
In a discussion about a broken relationship, someone might say, “We tried to patch things up, but it didn’t work out.”
A person talking about a quick fix for a leaking pipe might say, “I used some tape to patch up the hole until the plumber can come.”

46. Jury

In slang, “jury” can refer to a temporary replacement or stand-in for someone or something. It is often used to describe a person or thing that is filling a role temporarily until the original or permanent option becomes available.

For example, if a coworker is on vacation, someone might say, “I’ll be the jury for the week and cover their tasks.”
In a sports team, a player who is temporarily filling in for an injured teammate might be called the “jury.”
If a regular bus driver is absent, the substitute driver could be referred to as the “jury” for the day.

47. Surrogate

In slang, “surrogate” can mean a substitute or proxy for someone or something. It is often used to describe a person or thing that is taking the place of another temporarily or as a replacement.

For instance, in a meeting, someone might say, “I’ll be a surrogate for the absent team member and present their ideas.”
In a political context, a surrogate is someone who speaks on behalf of a candidate or party when the candidate is unable to be present.
If a singer is unable to perform, a backup singer might act as a surrogate and sing in their place.

48. Provisionary

In slang, “provisionary” is used to describe something that is temporary or provisional. It refers to something that is in place for the time being, with the expectation that it will be replaced or changed in the future.

For example, if a company is testing a new software, they might release a provisionary version for users to try out.
In a project, a provisionary solution might be implemented as a temporary fix until a more permanent solution can be developed.
If a store is undergoing renovations, they might set up a provisionary location nearby to continue serving customers.