Top 25 Slang For Time – Meaning & Usage

Time is a concept that seems simple enough, but when it comes to slang, things can get a little wibbly-wobbly. From “tick-tock” to “chillax,” there are plenty of words and phrases that people use to talk about time in a more casual and creative way. Whether you’re trying to sound hip or just curious about the latest lingo, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to learn the top slang for time and start incorporating it into your everyday conversations.

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1. Tick-tock

This phrase is often used to indicate that time is running out or that a deadline is approaching. It represents the sound made by a clock ticking and tocking.

  • For example, “We only have a few hours left until the deadline. It’s tick-tock time.”
  • In a sports game, a commentator might say, “The team is down by one point with only seconds left on the clock. It’s tick-tock time.”
  • A teacher might remind students, “Tick-tock, class. The exam starts in 10 minutes.”

2. Crunch time

This term refers to a period of intense pressure or a critical moment when time is limited. It often implies that a task or project needs to be completed urgently.

  • For instance, “We’re in crunch time now. We need to finish the report by tomorrow.”
  • In a sports context, a coach might say, “It’s crunch time, team. We’re down by two points, and there are only five minutes left.”
  • A student might say, “I have three exams tomorrow. It’s crunch time for studying.”

3. O’clock

This term is a contraction of “of the clock” and is used to indicate the exact hour of the day. It is typically used in a formal or precise context.

  • For example, “The meeting starts at 3 o’clock sharp.”
  • A parent might tell their child, “Be home by 10 o’clock.”
  • A tour guide might say, “The museum opens at 9 o’clock in the morning.”

4. Time flies

This phrase is used to express the feeling that time seems to move quickly or that it has passed faster than expected.

  • For instance, “It feels like yesterday when we started college, but time flies.”
  • A person might reflect, “I can’t believe it’s already December. Time flies.”
  • When reminiscing about childhood, someone might say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

5. Time warp

This term refers to a situation or experience where time seems to move at a different pace or in a non-linear way. It can also imply a feeling of being transported to a different era.

  • For example, “After the accident, everything felt like a time warp. Minutes felt like hours.”
  • In a science fiction movie, a character might say, “I entered a time warp and ended up in the future.”
  • A person attending a 1980s-themed party might say, “The decorations and music really create a time warp to the past.”

6. Time is money

This phrase emphasizes the importance of using time wisely and not wasting it. It suggests that time should be treated as a valuable resource, similar to money.

  • For example, a businessperson might say, “In our line of work, time is money. We can’t afford to waste it.”
  • A motivational speaker might use this phrase to inspire productivity, saying, “Remember, time is money. Don’t let it slip away.”
  • In a conversation about efficiency, someone might say, “We need to streamline our processes. Time is money, after all.”

7. Time-out

This term is commonly used in sports to refer to a temporary break in the game. It can also be used in everyday situations to indicate a pause or break from an activity.

  • For instance, a coach might call a time-out during a basketball game to discuss strategy with the team.
  • A parent might use this term when disciplining a child, saying, “You need a time-out to think about your actions.”
  • In a busy workday, someone might say, “I need to take a time-out and clear my mind.”

8. Time off

This phrase refers to a period of time when someone is not working or engaged in their usual activities. It can be used to describe a vacation, break, or leave of absence.

  • For example, an employee might request time off to attend a family event or take a vacation.
  • A manager might offer time off as a reward for hard work, saying, “You’ve earned some time off. Enjoy a well-deserved break.”
  • In a conversation about work-life balance, someone might say, “Everyone needs to take time off to recharge and avoid burnout.”

9. Prime time

This term refers to the period of the day when television or radio broadcasts attract the largest audience. It can also be used more broadly to describe the most popular or active time for any activity.

  • For instance, a TV network might schedule their most popular shows during prime time, when viewership is highest.
  • A business might advertise during prime time to reach a larger audience, saying, “We need to promote our product during prime time to maximize exposure.”
  • In a conversation about productivity, someone might say, “I’m most focused and productive during my prime time in the morning.”

10. Timepiece

This term refers to any device used to measure or display time, such as a watch or clock. It can also be used more broadly to describe any object that represents or symbolizes the concept of time.

  • For example, a person might say, “I received a beautiful timepiece as a gift for my graduation.”
  • A watch enthusiast might discuss the craftsmanship of different timepieces, saying, “I love collecting vintage timepieces.”
  • In a conversation about punctuality, someone might say, “Always wear a reliable timepiece to ensure you’re never late.”

11. Time slot

A time slot refers to a specific period of time that is allocated for a particular activity or event. It is often used in scheduling or planning.

  • For example, “I have a time slot from 2-3pm for my dentist appointment.”
  • A TV show might advertise, “Tune in to our new series airing in the 8pm time slot.”
  • A conference organizer might say, “Each speaker will have a 30-minute time slot for their presentation.”

12. Time travel

Time travel refers to the concept of moving backwards or forwards in time. It is often used in science fiction and fantasy genres.

  • For instance, in the movie “Back to the Future,” the main character uses a time machine to travel to different time periods.
  • A fan of time travel stories might say, “I love how time travel can create complex and mind-bending narratives.”
  • A person discussing the possibility of time travel might ask, “If you could time travel, where would you go?”

13. Time management

Time management refers to the ability to effectively allocate and utilize time to accomplish tasks or goals. It involves prioritizing, planning, and organizing one’s time.

  • For example, a student might say, “I need to work on my time management skills to balance school and extracurricular activities.”
  • A professional might give advice, “Good time management is crucial for productivity and avoiding burnout.”
  • A self-help book might offer strategies for improving time management, such as “Create a daily schedule and stick to it.”

14. Time capsule

A time capsule is a container that is filled with items, such as photographs, letters, or memorabilia, and buried or otherwise hidden with the intention of being opened in the future. It is a way to preserve and communicate information about a particular time period.

  • For instance, a school might bury a time capsule with items that represent the current generation to be opened by future students.
  • A historian might study a time capsule to gain insights into the past.
  • A person might create a personal time capsule to capture memories and milestones.
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15. Time crunch

A time crunch refers to a situation where there is a limited amount of time to complete a task or meet a deadline. It often implies a sense of urgency or pressure.

  • For example, a student might say, “I’m in a time crunch to finish this essay before the deadline.”
  • A person planning a party might feel a time crunch when there is a lot to prepare in a short amount of time.
  • A project manager might say, “We’re facing a time crunch and need to work efficiently to meet the project deadline.”

16. Time frame

This term refers to a specific period or duration of time. It is often used when discussing deadlines, schedules, or timelines.

  • For example, “We need to complete the project within a two-week time frame.”
  • In a discussion about historical events, someone might say, “The time frame for the Renaissance is generally considered to be from the 14th to the 17th century.”
  • When planning a trip, a traveler might ask, “What is the time frame for the train departure?”

17. Time is of the essence

This phrase emphasizes the importance of acting quickly or without delay. It implies that time is limited and immediate action is necessary.

  • For instance, in a medical emergency, a doctor might say, “Time is of the essence. We need to perform surgery immediately.”
  • In a business context, someone might say, “We need to make a decision quickly. Time is of the essence.”
  • When discussing a time-sensitive situation, a person might state, “We cannot waste any time. Time is of the essence.”

18. Time loop

A time loop refers to a situation or scenario in which a specific period of time repeats itself endlessly. It is often used in science fiction or fantasy contexts.

  • For example, in the movie “Groundhog Day,” the main character experiences a time loop in which he relives the same day over and over again.
  • In a discussion about time travel, someone might ask, “Could a time loop occur if someone traveled back in time and changed the past?”
  • When discussing a repetitive cycle, a person might say, “I feel like I’m stuck in a time loop, doing the same things every day.”

19. Time-sensitive

This term describes something that is dependent on or affected by time and requires immediate attention or action. It often refers to tasks, information, or situations with a limited window of opportunity.

  • For instance, a job posting might state, “This position is time-sensitive. Applications must be submitted by the end of the week.”
  • In a business context, someone might say, “We have a time-sensitive project that needs to be completed by tomorrow.”
  • When discussing a time-dependent opportunity, a person might state, “This investment is time-sensitive. We need to make a decision quickly.”

20. Time thief

A time thief refers to something or someone that causes a loss of time or wastes valuable time. It is often used to describe distractions, unproductive activities, or individuals who take up too much time.

  • For example, social media can be a time thief if it distracts someone from their work or responsibilities.
  • In a conversation about productivity, someone might say, “Procrastination is the biggest time thief.”
  • When discussing a person who constantly interrupts or delays progress, a person might state, “He’s a real time thief. He always derails our meetings with off-topic discussions.”

21. Time out

This phrase is often used to indicate a temporary cessation or break from an activity or situation. It can be used in various contexts.

  • For instance, a coach might call a “time out” during a sports game to discuss strategy with the team.
  • In parenting, a parent might tell their child, “Take a time out and think about what you did.”
  • In a meeting, someone might suggest, “Let’s take a time out and reconvene in 15 minutes.”

22. Time’s up

This phrase is commonly used to indicate that the allotted time for a task or activity has expired. It implies that no more time is available.

  • For example, a teacher might say, “Time’s up, pencils down!” at the end of a test.
  • In a game, a referee might announce, “Time’s up, the match is over.”
  • A speaker might conclude their presentation by saying, “Thank you for your attention, time’s up.”

23. Time and again

This phrase is used to describe something that happens repeatedly or consistently over a period of time.

  • For instance, a historian might say, “Throughout history, empires have risen and fallen time and again.”
  • A friend might advise, “You’ve tried that approach before, and it hasn’t worked. Don’t make the same mistake time and again.”
  • In a song, the lyrics might say, “I’ve been let down time and again, but I won’t give up.”

24. Time to kill

This phrase refers to having a period of time with no specific obligations or commitments, allowing for leisure or relaxation.

  • For example, a person might say, “I have some time to kill before my next appointment. Let’s grab a coffee.”
  • A student might say, “I finished my assignments early, so I have some time to kill before class.”
  • In a conversation about hobbies, someone might mention, “I enjoy reading in my spare time. It’s a great way to have some time to kill.”

25. In the nick of time

This phrase describes something happening or being done at the last possible moment before it is too late.

  • For instance, a person might say, “I arrived at the airport in the nick of time and caught my flight.”
  • In a movie, a hero might rescue someone from danger just in the nick of time.
  • A friend might say, “I managed to finish the project in the nick of time before the deadline.”