santiamén

instant

noun sahn-tyah-MEN Rare

Origin: From the Latin liturgical phrase Spiritu Sancti, Amen ('of the Holy Spirit, Amen'), contracted from the closing of prayers.

Also means

jiffy

Usage Note

Santiamén is nearly always found in the fixed phrase en un santiamén ('in a jiffy, in an instant') and rarely appears outside it. It is invariably masculine and singular. Its ecclesiastical origin (Sancti Amen) is opaque to most modern speakers, making it a colourful frozen expression.

Examples

"Lo hizo todo en un santiamén."

Natural Translation

He did it all in a jiffy.

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