# fast times

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fast-times
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A period of time characterized by quickly-paced activity, especially involving extravagant or risky conduct, sexual behavior, or other exciting events.

## Examples

- They lived through fast times in the city.
- She enjoys the fast times of a busy summer in the city.
- Do you miss the fast times you had before you moved away?
- After moving to the capital, he spent his youth chasing fast times and wild parties.
- The retired rock star often talks about the fast times of his youth when he traveled the world and spent money without thinking.
- Many young professionals are drawn to the fast times of the fashion industry, even if the lifestyle is exhausting and risky.
- The memoirs recount a decade of fast times, defined by reckless ambition and the constant pursuit of fleeting pleasures.

## Origin

The phrase entered the common lexicon following the publication of the novel *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* in 1981 and the subsequent release of the film of the same name in 1982. While the components of the expression were existing English terms, their specific pairing was popularized by these titles.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.