Crossword Genius

Born not so long ago (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

younger

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'so long ago' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'born not' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'born' could be 'n' (abbreviation, from the French 'nee') and 'n' is found in the answer.
'not' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for younger that I've seen before include "Less experienced" , "Seven PM" , "More youthful" , "Not so old" , "Less mature" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Irish News.
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