Top 47 Slang For Urgency – Meaning & Usage

In a fast-paced world where every second counts, having the right words to convey urgency is crucial. Join us as we unveil the top slang terms that express urgency in the most effective and trendy way possible. Whether you’re in a rush or just want to spice up your vocabulary, this list is sure to keep you ahead of the game. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of expressing urgency like a pro!

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1. ASAP

This acronym is used to indicate the need for immediate action or completion of a task. It emphasizes the urgency and importance of getting something done quickly.

For example, a boss might say, “I need that report ASAP.”
A friend might text, “Can you pick me up from the airport ASAP?”
In a work email, someone might write, “Please review and respond to this email ASAP.”

2. STAT

This term is commonly used in medical contexts to indicate that something needs to be done urgently. It is derived from the Latin word “statim,” which means “immediately.”

For instance, a doctor might say, “We need to get the patient into surgery STAT.”
In a hospital setting, a nurse might yell, “We need a crash cart STAT!”
A paramedic might radio for assistance, saying, “We have a critical patient, we need an ambulance here STAT.”

3. PDQ

This acronym is a playful way of expressing the need for something to be done quickly. It adds a sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of acting promptly.

For example, a teacher might say, “I need those assignments turned in PDQ.”
A parent might tell their child, “Clean your room, PDQ!”
A boss might say to their employee, “Finish that project PDQ, we have a deadline to meet.”

4. Chop-chop

This phrase is often used to urge someone to move or act quickly. It originated from the Cantonese word “kap kap,” which means “quickly” or “hurry up.”

For instance, a parent might say to their child, “Get ready for school, chop-chop!”
A coach might yell at their team, “Move it, chop-chop, we’re running out of time!”
In a restaurant, a chef might say to a sous chef, “We need those appetizers plated, chop-chop!”

5. Pronto

This word, borrowed from Spanish, is used to convey the need for something to be done without delay. It is a straightforward and concise way of expressing urgency.

For example, a supervisor might say, “I want that report on my desk pronto.”
A friend might text, “I need your help with something, can you come over pronto?”
In a military setting, a commander might give the order, “Move out, troops, pronto!”

6. Quick like a bunny

This phrase is used to convey the need for speed or urgency in completing a task. It implies that the action should be done quickly, like how a bunny moves.

For example, a parent might say to their child, “Quick like a bunny, put your shoes on so we can leave.”
In a work setting, a supervisor might tell their employee, “We need this report done quick like a bunny.”
A coach might say to their team, “Get on the field quick like a bunny and warm up.”

7. Time is of the essence

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

For instance, a doctor might tell their patient, “Time is of the essence, we need to perform the surgery as soon as possible.”
In a business context, a manager might say, “We have a tight deadline, so time is of the essence.”
A teacher might remind their students, “Finish your assignments quickly, time is of the essence.”

8. In a jiffy

This phrase is used to indicate that something will be done or completed in a short amount of time. It suggests a sense of urgency and speed.

For example, a friend might say, “I’ll be there in a jiffy” when they are running late to meet up.
In a restaurant, a server might tell a customer, “Your food will be ready in a jiffy.”
A mechanic might assure a customer, “I’ll have your car fixed in a jiffy.”

9. Lickety-split

This term is used to describe doing something quickly or at a fast pace. It implies that the action should be completed without delay.

For instance, a parent might say to their child, “Clean your room lickety-split, we have guests coming.”
In a cooking show, a chef might say, “Now let’s chop these vegetables lickety-split.”
A manager might tell their team, “We need to finish this project lickety-split, so let’s work efficiently.”

10. Double time

This phrase is used to indicate a need for increased speed or urgency. It suggests that the action should be done at a faster pace than usual.

For example, a drill sergeant might command their soldiers, “Double time, march!”
In a race, a coach might yell to their athlete, “Pick up the pace, double time!”
A parent might tell their child, “We need to get ready for school in double time, we’re running late.”

11. Rush

This term refers to the act of moving quickly or doing something with urgency. It implies a sense of time pressure and the need to complete a task or reach a destination promptly.

For example, “I need you to rush these documents to the client.”
In a sports context, a coach might shout, “Rush the ball!”
A person might say, “I’m in a rush, can we make this quick?”

12. On the double

An expression used to convey the need for immediate action or response. It is often used in a commanding or urgent tone to emphasize the importance of acting quickly.

For instance, a military officer might order, “Soldier, I need you to report to the commander on the double!”
In a workplace setting, a supervisor might say, “We have a client emergency. I need everyone on the double.”
A parent might tell their child, “Put your shoes on the double, we’re running late!”

13. With all speed

This phrase is used to emphasize the need for maximum speed or urgency in completing a task or reaching a destination.

For example, a captain might command, “Set sail with all speed!”
In a time-sensitive situation, someone might say, “We need to evacuate the building with all speed.”
A person might tell their friend, “We have to catch the train, let’s go with all speed!”

14. Posthaste

An archaic term that means to act or move quickly, often with a sense of urgency. It is used to convey the need for immediate action or response.

For instance, a boss might say, “I need that report on my desk posthaste.”
In a historical context, a messenger might be instructed, “Deliver this message to the king posthaste.”
A person might say, “I have an appointment in 10 minutes, I need to leave posthaste!”

15. Like yesterday

This phrase is used to express the need for something to be done or completed immediately, as if it should have been done the day before. It implies a sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of acting quickly.

For example, a manager might say, “I need those sales figures on my desk like yesterday.”
In a time-sensitive situation, someone might say, “We need to find a solution like yesterday.”
A person might tell their friend, “We’re already late, let’s get going like yesterday!”

16. Without delay

This phrase is used to indicate that something needs to be done right away, without any delay or hesitation.

For example, “Please submit your report without delay.”
In a conversation, someone might say, “We need to take action without delay.”
A boss might tell their employee, “I need those documents on my desk without delay.”

17. In a rush

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is in a hurry or needs to do something quickly.

For instance, “I’m in a rush, so I’ll grab a quick breakfast.”
Someone might say, “Sorry, I can’t chat right now, I’m in a rush.”
A person might explain, “I was in a rush, so I didn’t have time to double-check my work.”

18. In a hurry

This phrase is similar to “in a rush” and is used to convey the need to do something quickly or without delay.

For example, “I’m in a hurry, so I’ll take a taxi instead of walking.”
Someone might say, “I need to finish this task in a hurry.”
A person might explain, “I was in a hurry, so I didn’t have time to pack a lunch.”

19. In a flash

This phrase is used to indicate that something happened very quickly or without any delay.

For instance, “She finished her work in a flash.”
Someone might say, “I cleaned the house in a flash, so we can have guests over.”
A person might explain, “The package arrived in a flash, just as I needed it.”

20. In no time

This phrase is used to convey that something will happen or be done very quickly or without any delay.

For example, “I’ll be there in no time, just let me finish this task.”
Someone might say, “Don’t worry, I’ll fix it in no time.”
A person might explain, “She finished the race in no time, setting a new record.”

21. In the nick of time

This phrase is used to describe an action or event that happens at the last possible moment before it is too late. It implies a sense of urgency and the importance of timing.

For example, “He arrived in the nick of time to save the day.”
In a race against the clock, someone might say, “I finished the project in the nick of time.”
When narrowly avoiding a disaster, a person might exclaim, “We got out of there in the nick of time!”

22. In a heartbeat

This phrase is used to express the speed at which something will happen or be done. It implies that the action will occur without hesitation or delay.

For instance, “I would jump at the opportunity in a heartbeat.”
When asked if they would help a friend, someone might respond, “In a heartbeat!”
If given the chance to travel, a person might say, “I would pack my bags and leave in a heartbeat.”

23. In the blink of an eye

This phrase is used to describe an action or event that happens extremely fast, often too quickly to even notice. It emphasizes the speed or suddenness of the action.

For example, “The car disappeared in the blink of an eye.”
When describing a fast runner, someone might say, “He can finish a race in the blink of an eye.”
If something is done before someone can react, a person might say, “I stole the ball from him in the blink of an eye!”

24. In the heat of the moment

This phrase is used to describe impulsive or spontaneous actions or decisions made when a person is overwhelmed by intense emotions, such as anger, excitement, or passion.

For instance, “He said things he didn’t mean in the heat of the moment.”
When discussing a heated argument, someone might say, “We both said hurtful things in the heat of the moment.”
If someone acts impulsively, a person might say, “She kissed him in the heat of the moment.”

25. In a snap

This phrase is used to describe an action or event that happens rapidly or without delay. It suggests that something can be done easily and effortlessly, often implying a sense of efficiency.

For example, “He fixed the problem in a snap.”
When describing a fast learner, someone might say, “She can pick up new skills in a snap.”
If something is done with minimal effort, a person might say, “I finished my work in a snap!”

26. In a trice

This phrase means to do something in a very short amount of time or without delay. It is often used to express a sense of urgency or efficiency.

For example, “I’ll be there in a trice!”
A person might say, “I finished the project in a trice.”
Another might exclaim, “Get ready, we need to leave in a trice!”

27. In a wink

This phrase means to do something very quickly or in a short amount of time. It is often used to convey a sense of urgency or to emphasize the speed of an action.

For instance, “I’ll have the report done in a wink!”
A person might say, “He fixed the car in a wink.”
Another might exclaim, “In a wink, the situation changed completely!”

28. In a split second

This phrase means to do something immediately or without any delay. It is often used to describe a very short amount of time or to emphasize the speed of an action.

For example, “He made the decision in a split second.”
A person might say, “She dodged the bullet in a split second.”
Another might exclaim, “In a split second, everything changed!”

29. In a twinkle

This phrase means to do something quickly or in a very short amount of time. It is often used to convey a sense of urgency or to emphasize the speed of an action.

For instance, “I’ll finish the task in a twinkle!”
A person might say, “He solved the problem in a twinkle.”
Another might exclaim, “In a twinkle, the situation was resolved!”

30. In a shake

This phrase means to do something quickly or without delay. It is often used to convey a sense of urgency or to emphasize the speed of an action.

For example, “I’ll be there in a shake!”
A person might say, “He finished the job in a shake.”
Another might exclaim, “In a shake, everything was done!”

31. In a mo

This phrase is a shortened version of “in a moment” and is used to indicate that something will happen very soon. It is commonly used in informal conversations or texts.

For example, if someone asks, “When will you be ready?” you can respond with, “I’ll be there in a mo.”
A friend might say, “I’ll grab your coffee in a mo.”
You might hear someone say, “Just give me a mo to finish up this task.”

32. In a sec

Similar to “in a mo,” this phrase is a shortened version of “in a second” and is used to indicate that something will happen very soon. It is a casual way of expressing urgency or a quick response.

For instance, if someone asks, “Can you pass me the salt?” you can say, “Sure, in a sec.”
A colleague might say, “I’ll send you the report in a sec.”
You might hear someone say, “I’ll be there in a sec, just let me finish this call.”

33. In a moment

This phrase is used to express that something will happen or be done shortly. It implies a sense of urgency and is often used in formal or polite contexts.

For example, if someone asks, “When will the meeting start?” you can say, “The meeting will begin in a moment.”
A presenter might say, “I’ll be with you in a moment, just need to set up my slides.”
You might hear someone say, “Please hold on, I’ll be with you in a moment.”

34. In a second

Similar to “in a moment,” this phrase is used to indicate that something will happen or be done very soon. It is a slightly more informal way of expressing urgency or a quick response.

For instance, if someone asks, “Can you help me with this?” you can say, “Of course, I’ll be there in a second.”
A friend might say, “I’ll call you back in a second, just finishing up something.”
You might hear someone say, “Hold on, I’ll be ready in a second.”

35. In a minute

This phrase is used to convey that something will happen or be done in a short amount of time. It can be used to indicate urgency or to reassure someone that their request will be fulfilled soon.

For example, if someone asks, “When will the food be ready?” you can say, “It’ll be ready in a minute.”
A parent might say to their child, “I’ll be there to tuck you in in a minute.”
You might hear someone say, “Just wait a minute, I’ll find the information you need.”

36. In a New York minute

This phrase means to do something with great speed or urgency. It is often used to emphasize the fast-paced nature of life in New York City.

For example, “I’ll be there in a New York minute!”
Someone might say, “I finished that report in a New York minute.”
Another person might exclaim, “In a New York minute, everything can change!”

37. In an instant

This phrase means to do something without any delay or hesitation. It implies a sense of urgency and the need for immediate action.

For instance, “I knew in an instant that something was wrong.”
Someone might say, “The car stopped in an instant to avoid hitting the pedestrian.”
Another person might exclaim, “In an instant, my whole world turned upside down!”

38. Double-time

This term refers to doing something quickly or at an accelerated speed. It is often used in a military context to indicate the need for rapid movement.

For example, “We need to march in double-time to reach our destination on time.”
Someone might say, “I finished the project in double-time to meet the deadline.”
Another person might exclaim, “We need to clean the house in double-time before the guests arrive!”

39. In two shakes of a lamb’s tail

This phrase means to do something in a very short amount of time. It is a playful and whimsical way to express urgency or speed.

For instance, “I’ll be there in two shakes of a lamb’s tail!”
Someone might say, “I finished cooking dinner in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”
Another person might exclaim, “In two shakes of a lamb’s tail, the storm was over!”

40. Swiftly

This word means to do something quickly or with great speed. It is a straightforward and concise way to express urgency or fast action.

For example, “The horse galloped swiftly across the field.”
Someone might say, “I completed the task swiftly and efficiently.”
Another person might exclaim, “The athlete ran swiftly towards the finish line!”

41. Promptly

This term means to do something without delay or hesitation.

For example, “Please submit your report promptly.”
A boss might say, “I need those files on my desk promptly.”
Someone might remind a friend, “Don’t forget to RSVP promptly to the party invitation.”

42. Right now

This phrase is used to emphasize the need for something to be done without any delay.

For instance, “I need you to come to my office right now.”
A parent might tell their child, “Clean up your room right now.”
A coach might shout to their team, “We need to score a goal right now!”

43. Like a bat out of hell

This colorful phrase describes doing something with great speed or urgency.

For example, “He ran out of the house like a bat out of hell.”
A person might say, “I need to finish this project like a bat out of hell.”
In a race, someone might comment, “She’s running like a bat out of hell!”

44. Like there’s no tomorrow

This expression means to do something quickly and urgently, as if time is running out.

For instance, “He ate his dinner like there’s no tomorrow.”
A person might say, “I need to finish this assignment like there’s no tomorrow.”
In a competition, someone might comment, “They’re playing like there’s no tomorrow!”

45. Chop to it

This phrase is used to tell someone to start or continue doing something quickly and efficiently.

For example, “We have a lot of work to do, so chop to it!”
A coach might say, “Stop slacking off and chop to it!”
A supervisor might instruct their employees, “Let’s finish this project on time, so chop to it!”

46. Time is ticking

This phrase is used to convey that there is limited time remaining to complete a task or reach a deadline. It implies a sense of urgency and the need to act quickly.

For example, a teacher might say to a student, “You need to finish your exam soon. Time is ticking!”
A manager might say to their team, “We have a tight deadline. Time is ticking, so let’s get to work.”
A friend might remind another, “Don’t forget, the party starts in an hour. Time is ticking!”

47. Make it snappy

This phrase is used to tell someone to do something quickly or to act with urgency. It implies that the person needs to be fast or efficient in their actions.

For instance, a parent might say to their child, “We’re running late for school. Make it snappy!”
A boss might say to an employee, “We have a client waiting. Make it snappy and finish the report.”
A friend might say to another, “We only have a few minutes to catch the bus. Make it snappy or we’ll miss it!”