Where did the term long time no see come from?

The phrase is often portrayed as originating in Chinese pidgin English. It may have been coined at one point based on the Cantonese phrase “好耐冇見” (Jyutping: hou2 noi6 mou5 gin3), or the Mandarin phrase “好久不見”, both of which yield the exact expression “long time no see” when translated directly into English.

Is it right to say long time no see?

Feel free to say “long time no see” if it seems appropriate. It sounds informal and friendly! It is not a complete sentence and so it is not grammatically correct. But it’s a very common expression, and so is acceptable in all but the most formal writing.

Do British people say long time no see?

6 Answers. “Long time no see” is used in the UK. It is informal. I do not know how widespread its use is but I expect people of most UK social groups and of most UK regions would recognise and understand it even if it was not a form of greeting they would use themselves.

Where did saying so long come from?

The London Globe suggests that the expression is derived from the Norwegian ‘Saa laenge,’ a common form of ‘farewell,’ au revoir. If so, the phrase was picked up from the Norwegians in America, where ‘So long’ first was heard. The expression is now (1923) often used by the literary and artistic classes.

What is wrong with the phrase long time no see?

Its origins in American English appear to be an imitation of broken or pidgin English, and despite its ungrammaticality, it is widely accepted as a fixed expression. The phrase is a multiword expression that cannot be explained by the usual rules of English grammar due to the irregular syntax.

Why is it bad to say Long time no see?

‘Long Time, No See’ Is Now Considered ‘Derogatory’ toward Asians. The phrase might be of Asian origin, and so the alarm sounds. A student at Colorado State University was reportedly told that the expression “Long time, no see” was an example of “non-inclusive” language because it’s apparently “derogatory toward” Asians …

Is it rude to say so long?

“So long” sounds a lot less dated, and conveys equally well the sense of finality that you were looking for, kwyjibo. I’d say “So long” is the better option. However, it would almost always be rude to say either of these to anyone.

What does it mean when a guy says long time, no see?

—used as a greeting for someone one has not seen for a long time Well hello there! Long time no see!

What is another word for long time?

What is another word for long-time?

many years	ages
time	unlimited time
all time	long period
deathlessness	afterlife
hereafter	everlasting life

What does the phrase LONG TIME NO SEE mean?

Definition of long time no see informal. —used as a greeting for someone one has not seen for a long time Well hello there!