Long Time No Talk: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
May 14, 2023

The idiom "long time no talk" means that two people have not talked for a while. It is used as a greeting when seeing someone or talking to someone after a long period of not communicating. It's a casual and friendly way to acknowledge the time that has passed since your last interaction.

In short:

"Long time no talk" is a lighthearted way to acknowledge you haven't spoken with someone in a while and to reconnect.

What Does "Long Time No Talk" Mean?

People use the idiom "long time no talk" to express that they haven't communicated with someone for an extended period. The phrase suggests a desire to catch up and reconnect and is often used in informal settings.

The key aspects of the idiom's meaning include:

  • Reconnecting with someone after a period of no communication
  • Acknowledging the time that has passed since the last interaction
  • Used in casual and friendly conversations

Where Does "Long Time No Talk" Come From?

The origins of the idiom "long time no talk" are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the phrase "long time no see," which has been in use since the early 20th century. The phrase "long time no talk" gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, often in the context of social media and digital communication.  The idiom is still commonly used today, especially in informal conversations and on social media platforms.

10 Examples of "Long Time No Talk" in Sentences

Here are 10 examples of how "long time no talk" can be used in sentences:

  • Long time no talk! How's everything going with you?
  • Hey, long time no talk! Let's catch up over a cup of coffee sometime.
  • We haven't spoken in ages – long time no talk!
  • Long time no talk. What are the odds of running into you here?"
  • Long time no talk, my friend. I've missed our conversations!
  • Wow, it feels like it's been years. Long time no talk!
  • Long time no talk! You've had quite a glow-up since the last time I saw you.
  • Hey! Long time no talk. How have you been?
  • Long time no talk! I hope you're doing well.
  • Long time no talk! Let's make sure to keep in touch from now on."

Examples of "Long Time No Talk" in Pop Culture

The phrase "long time no talk" is often used in movies, television shows, and books, particularly in situations where characters are reconnecting after a significant time apart.

Some examples include:

  • “What a surprise, long time no talk. What's going on” is a quote from a 2013 fiction book, "The Dead Man's Mind," by Thea Torgersen
  • "Long time no talk" appears in Season 5, Episode 16 of the TV show "Riverdale."

Other/Different Ways to Say "Long Time No Talk"

There are several other expressions that convey a similar sentiment of reconnecting with someone after a period of no communication, including:

  • It's been a while
  • Long time no see
  • It's been ages
  • Been a long time
  • It's been so long

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Long Time No Talk":

  • What does "long time no talk" mean?

"Long time no talk" is a casual phrase used to acknowledge that you haven't spoken with someone in a while and express a desire to reconnect.

  • Where did the phrase "long time no talk" come from?

The exact origins of "long time no talk" are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the phrase "long time no see" and became popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

  • How do you use "long time no talk" in a sentence?

Here's an example sentence using "long time no talk": "Hey, I saw you logged in today, long time no talk - how have you been?"

  • Is "long time no talk" considered informal?

Yes, "long time no talk" is an informal and casual expression. It is commonly used in everyday conversation among friends and acquaintances.

  • Are there any alternatives to saying "long time no talk"?

Yes, other casual ways to acknowledge the time that has passed since you last spoke with someone include: it's been a while, long time no see, it's been ages, been a long time, and it's been so long.

  • Is "long time no talk" a regional expression?

"Long time no talk" is used in various English-speaking countries and regions, and is not specific to a particular region.

  • Can people use the idiom in formal contexts?

No, "long time no talk" is an informal idiom and should be avoided in formal contexts. It is best used in casual conversation among friends and acquaintances.

  • Does "long time no talk" have any historical connections?

There is no specific historical connection for the phrase "long time no talk," but it is believed to have originated from the phrase "long time no see."

  • Are there pop culture references to the phrase?

Yes, "long time no talk" has appeared in various forms of popular culture, such as movies, television shows, and songs, particularly in situations where characters are reconnecting after a significant time apart.

  • Do people still say "long time no talk" when reconnecting with someone?

Yes, the phrase "long time no talk" is still used today in casual conversations when reconnecting with someone you haven't spoken to in a while. It is a friendly way to acknowledge the time that has passed and express a desire to catch up.

Final Thoughts About "Long Time No Talk"

The idiom "long time no talk" is an informal way of acknowledging that you haven't spoken with someone in a while and expressing a desire to reconnect. It is commonly used in everyday conversation among friends and acquaintances, as well as in various forms of popular culture.

Key aspects of the idiom "long time no talk":

  • Acknowledges the time that has passed since last speaking with someone
  • Expresses a desire to reconnect and catch up
  • Used in casual, friendly conversations
  • Originated from the phrase "long time no see."

"Long time no talk" is a popular and widely-used expression that is perfect for reconnecting with old friends, acquaintances, or long-lost contacts. So, if it's been a while, why not strike up a conversation?

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