- A greeting used when you speak to someone (e.g., on the phone, online) after a significant period without communication.
- Equivalent to Long time no see but specifically for non-visual communication.
Explanation
Origin
- A direct parallel to Long time no see, which is widely believed to be pidgin English, possibly originating from Chinese Pidgin English (hao jiu bu jian 好久不见 literally very long no see/talk) or Native American interactions.
- Long time no talk follows the same syntactical structure and emerged as the auditory/verbal equivalent.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Been a minute. (Meaning it's been a long time) *A common slang phrase, particularly in AAVE, where minute is used hyperbolically to mean a long duration.*
- Where you been hiding? (Playful accusation of absence)
- Blast from the past! (Expressing surprise at hearing from someone after a long time)
Milder/Standard:
- It's been too long.
- How have things been since we last spoke?
- Good to reconnect.
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing strong surprise/pleasure, or mock annoyance at the long silence):
- Where the hell have you been?!
- Fuck, it's been ages!
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Perfect for catching up with friends, acquaintances, or former colleagues.
- Might be slightly too informal for a first contact with a high-level executive after a long silence, where something like I hope this message finds you well. It's been some time since we last spoke... might be preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood due to the parallel with Long time no see. The slightly unusual grammar (no talk) is accepted as idiomatic.
Examples
- (On the phone) Hey Sarah! Wow, long time no talk! How have you been?
- (In an email/DM) Hi Mark, long time no talk. Just wanted to check in and see how things are going.
- John! Good to hear your voice. Yeah, it has been a long time no talk.
Dialogue
Context
(Phone rings)
Maria: Hello?
David: Hi Maria, it's David.
Maria: David! Wow, long time no talk! How are you doing?
David: I'm good, thanks! Yeah, it feels like forever. What have you been up to?
Social Media Examples
- DM: Hey! Saw your profile pop up. Long time no talk! Hope you're doing well.
- Email Subject: Long time no talk Checking In
- Forum Post reply: @OldFriend Wow, haven't seen you post here in ages. Long time no talk!
Response Patterns
- Agreement and reciprocation: I know, right? It's been ages! How are you?
- Acknowledgment: Yeah, it really has been a while.
- Direct answer to the implied question: I'm doing well! Busy with [activity]. What about you?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After saying/hearing Long time no talk:
- The immediate next step is usually asking how the other person has been: How have you been? / What have you been up to?
- Referencing the last known information: How's the new job? / Are you still living in [city]?
- Suggesting a future, more substantial catch-up.
Conversation Starter
- Yes. Excellent way to start a conversation (phone call, message, email) after a period of no contact.
Intonation
- Usually said with a warm, slightly surprised, or pleased tone.
- Emphasis often falls on Long time and talk.
- Can have a rising intonation if phrased as a question-like statement (Long time no talk, huh?).
Generation Differences
- Understood and used by most generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions. Structure mirrors Long time no see, which is globally understood.