long time no see

Definition

I (or we) have not seen you for a long time.

Etymology

Uncertain. Possibly a calque of Cantonese 好耐冇見 /好耐冇见 (hou² noi⁶ mou⁵ gin³) or Chinese 很久沒見 /很久没见 (hěnjiǔméijiàn) or Chinese 好久不见 (hǎojiǔbùjiàn), comparable to no can do or chop-chop – if so, most likely US Chinatown origin, alternatively British Far East such as Hong Kong. Alternatively, native American origin, or native coinage as pidgin, particularly in cinematic portrayals of native Americans; compare language used by Tonto (1930s).

Example Sentences

• "Dave! Long time no see! How’s Boston been treating you?"
• "This lady had only assumed the reins of government a short time, when one morning Appoo made his appearance.—"Ma-am—long time no see wife—want go to Colombo see wife.[...]""
• ""Maybe. I think I go see my mamma today. Long time no see," answered Mamie, who from constant association had, like the other girls of the neighborhood, fallen into the habit of talking pigeon English to the Chinamen."