right quick
Very quickly — or just a minute, depending on the smile.
Also called real quick.
Updated September 24, 2026
right quick pronunciation
/RAHT kwik/
Meaning
Right works like "very" or "real" in front of quick. Means you'll do it fast, or you need somebody for just a short spell. "I'll be back right quick" and "Help me right quick" softens a favor by promising it won't take forever. Faster than directly, friendlier than barked orders.
How folks use it
- “I'm gonna run to the store right quick.”
- “Can you hold this ladder right quick while I climb?”
Origin and etymology
English has used right as an intensifier for centuries (right good, right fine). In Southern and Appalachian speech that habit stuck on time words like quick. Wiktionary marks right quick as Southern U.S., often softening a short errand or request. Same intensifier family as mighty and real.
Frequently asked questions
Does right quick mean this second?
Usually soon and fast, not a stopwatch. If somebody says they'll be back right quick, expect minutes, not hours — and not always a dead sprint.