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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

why is it "I won't be a jiffy!" ?

0 Hi all02br
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00I don't quite get this. Jiffy means a very short time, right? Then why is it 'I won't be a jiffy'? 02br
02br
00 I've just got to fetch some books from upstairs - 01i00I won't be a jiffy!02i02br
02br
00Thank you02br
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00PBF0-
  

Top answer

02br 00It is a manner of speaking. The elision is:01i 00 I won't [even] be a jiffy02i 00. 0-

— Mister Micawber

  • 02br 00It is a manner of speaking.
  • The elision is:01i 00 I won't [even] be a jiffy02i 00.
  • 0-
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2 Answers
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0 .02br
00It is a manner of speaking. The elision is:01i00 I won't [even] be a jiffy02i00. This also applies to 01i00I won't be a minute/moment02i00 and probably other perhaps involves a similar thought process in phrases like 01i00I could/couldn't care less02i00.0-
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0I see now. Thanks Mister Micawber.02br
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00PBF0-
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