- A hyperbolic expression used to indicate waiting for a very long time, often implying impatience or frustration.
Explanation
Origin
- Simple, direct hyperbole. Forever means an infinite amount of time.
- Using it in the context of waiting dramatically emphasizes the perceived length and tediousness of the wait, even if it's not literally endless.
- This type of exaggeration is common across many languages.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Waiting for yonks (UK/Aus)
- Taking an eternity
- This wait is killing me
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Waiting fucking forever
- Been waiting for bloody ages (UK/Aus)
Milder:
- Waiting quite a while
- Waiting a long time
- The wait feels very long
- Been here for ages
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Suitable for everyday conversation but too hyperbolic and informal for official complaints or formal settings, where specific durations should be used.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers should understand that forever is an exaggeration and doesn't mean literally infinite time. It just means a subjectively very long time.
Examples
- I feel like I've been waiting forever for this package to arrive.
- We were stuck in traffic, waiting forever to get through the city.
- He's taking so long to get ready; I've been waiting forever!
Dialogue
Maya: Is the doctor running late?
Noah: Seems like it. I've been waiting forever out here. My appointment was half an hour ago.
Maya: Oh, that's annoying. Did you check with the receptionist?
Noah: Yeah, she just said he's behind schedule. Guess I'll keep waiting.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: On hold with customer service... pretty sure I've been waiting forever. 🎶 [Hold music plays eternally] 🎶 #customerservice #waiting #frustrated
- Facebook Status: Waiting forever for summer to arrive! ☀️ #needsun #longwinter
- Instagram Story: (Picture of a long queue) Been waiting forever in this line! Send snacks! 😩
Response Patterns
- Oh no, that's frustrating.
- Tell me about it! (Agreement)
- How long have you actually been waiting?
- Hopefully, it won't be much longer.
- Patience, patience! (Can be slightly annoying to hear)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they've been waiting forever:
- Express sympathy or shared frustration: Ugh, waiting is the worst., That sounds annoying.
- Ask for context: What are you waiting for?, How long has it really been?
- Offer encouragement or distraction: Maybe check the tracking again?, Want to grab a coffee while you wait?
After receiving a response:
- The waiting person might elaborate on their frustration or the reason for the wait.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Typically used as a complaint or observation within a situation involving waiting.
Intonation
- Emphasis usually falls on waiting for-EV-er.
- Often said with a sighing, exasperated, or complaining tone.
Generation Differences
- Extremely common and used by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in all English-speaking regions.