For those that don't know

[featherynscale]

A "while" is a unit of time in the SSMS (Southern Standardized Measurement System) that could indicate anywhere from 5-10 standard minutes (NB: A "standard minute" consists of sixty seconds, cf a "football minute" which can last up to a standard hour), as in "She's going to be on the phone a while", to 5-10 years, as in "He spent a while in jail". I hope this helps clear things up.

Comments

Oh, yes.

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

Other variable measurements of time I use every day include:

second -- meaning a very short time, like you're next on my list, if you'd just let me get my pants on dammit. "I'll be there in a second!"

minute -- meaning short-term patience will be required but almost certainly less than an hour, like I need to finish doing this other (more interesting and/or important) thing first before you get my attention. "Sure, just gimme a minute."

while -- possibly never but certainly not soon, like you're at my mercy so be prepared to wait for me to feel like responding...or to have strategic distractions placed in front of you. "What a great idea! Why don't we do that in a little while?"