I've heard some people call it speed, saying like it speeds up the world to an extraordinary extent. I ask this because I want to know the truth and a friend of mine was amazed by these words so I want some clearing up.
It's called speed because it feels like you/everything around you is moving so fast, when in reality, time is moving the same that it was.
What @Matthodge1 said pretty much sums it up. I could also add that, depending on its purity, the effect could last anywhere between 3 to 6 hours. I personally don't know people having experienced less than 2 hours, but it also depends whether you consumed in the past or not.
I heard it used maybe twice in my whole life. But I'm guessing it's the feeling they get when they are on it. If anything I think Cocaine should be called speed. But for some reason Meth is called speed. I haven't tried any of the two so I don't have a point of reference. However, I know a female that said when she took it, she would be up for days off of one session of taking it. So I'm guessing it was instant energy with no food.
I don't think meth is called speed but maybe I'm mistaken. From what I understand speed is a prescription drug that speeds up the activity in your brain so you're more able to focus and get things accomplished and it's why lots of students who need to stay up late and study use it.
"Speed" is a general slang term used for amphetamines, and sometimes methamphetamine. It's called "speed" because you seem to process everything at a much faster pace, time flies by. You're aware that time hasn't passed any faster, but you could swear it feels like it did. Imagine drinking far, far too much coffee and having that intense, sped-up feeling. It's somewhat similar to that.