Ever had someone text you, “Can you expedite this?” and you froze for a second because the word felt way more serious than the actual situation? 😭 I remember seeing it in a group chat once and wondering if I had accidentally joined a corporate meeting instead of a conversation with friends. If you’ve ever felt the same mini-panic, you’re not alone.
Quick Answer:
“Expedite” means to speed something up or make it happen faster. It’s a polite and formal way of asking someone to hurry without sounding rude.
What Does “Expedite” Mean in Text?
In texting or messaging, expedite simply means “please do this faster” or “speed up the process.”
It’s often used when someone wants a quick update, faster reply, or urgent action without sounding pushy or impolite.
Example:
“Can you expedite the reply? I need it before 5 PM.”
In short:
Expedite = Speed Up = Do Something Faster (Politely).
Where Is “Expedite” Commonly Used?
You’ll usually see “expedite” in:
- 💼 Workplace chats
- 📧 Emails & professional conversations
- 📝 School or university messages
- 📱 Customer service replies
- 🚚 Delivery or shipping updates
- 🤝 Formal group chats where politeness matters
It’s a formal word, but it can appear in casual texting when someone wants to sound respectful while still asking for quick action.
Examples of “Expedite” in Conversation
A: “hey can u send the file?”
B: “sure, i’ll expedite it rn 👍”
A: “when will the parcel arrive?”
B: “we’re trying to expedite the shipping!”
A: “i need your part asap”
B: “ok ok i’ll expedite it 😭”
A: “can u expedite your response? deadline tonight 💀”
B: “omg yes sorry i’ll text fast”
A: “is this done?”
B: “almost. trying to expedite so u get it soon”
A: “teacher said expedite the assignment submission 😭”
B: “bruh i’m not even halfway”
When to Use and When Not to Use “Expedite”
✅ When to Use
- When you want to sound polite but urgent
- In professional chats
- With teachers, bosses, coworkers
- When asking for faster delivery or processing
- When you need a quick response without sounding rude
❌ When NOT to Use
- In jokes or memes (sounds too serious)
- With close friends (may feel overly formal)
- In casual flirting
- When you aren’t actually in a hurry
- When tone needs to be friendly, not professional
Context Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “bro send it fast pls 😭” | Casual & friendly |
| Work Chat | “Could you please expedite the task?” | Professional and polite urgency |
| “Please expedite the review process.” | Formal and clear | |
| Customer Support | “Can you expedite my order?” | Acceptable and expected |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Word / Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| ASAP | As soon as possible | Casual or workplace |
| Urgent | Needs quick action | Work or formal chats |
| Rush | Do something faster | Deliveries & tasks |
| Fast-track | Speed up a process | Business or project discussions |
| Quick update? | Ask for fast response | Friendly reminders |
| Priority | Something that needs immediate attention | Professional settings |
FAQs
1. Is “expedite” a slang word?
No, it’s a formal English word, not slang.
2. Does “expedite” mean the same as “hurry”?
Yes, but it sounds more polite and professional.
3. Can I use “expedite” with friends?
You can, but it may sound overly serious or dramatic.
4. Is “expedite” common in texting?
More common in school, work, or official chats, not casual conversations.
5. Can I say “expedite this delivery”?
Yes — companies use this phrase commonly.
6. Is it rude to ask someone to expedite something?
Not if written politely. It’s usually seen as respectful.
7. What’s the simplest synonym?
“Speed up” or “hurry.”
Conclusion
“Expedite” is one of those words that sounds extremely formal but is actually super useful when you need something done quickly yet politely. Whether you’re messaging your boss, emailing a teacher, or asking customer support for faster delivery, this word keeps your tone respectful while still communicating urgency. In casual chats it might feel a bit too serious, but in professional or time-sensitive situations, it’s the perfect way to say “please do this faster.”
