Meaning
Little or small — in size, amount, or degree. Beyond plain smallness, 'likkle' very often carries an affectionate or diminishing warmth rather than a cold measurement: a 'likkle pickney' is a dear small child, a 'likkle bit' a modest amount, 'likkle more' a fond 'see you later'. It is the everyday Patois form of 'little', among the most common words in the language, and its tone can soften, endear, belittle, or understate depending on how it is used.
Examples
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Gi mi a likkle piece a di bread.
Give me a little piece of the bread.
Standard use to indicate a small quantity.
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Wait likkle, mi soon come.
Wait a moment, I'll be right back.
'Likkle' here softens the request and means a short while.
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Da likkle bwoy deh too bright.
That little boy is too cheeky.
Diminutive with an affectionate but scolding tone.
Origin
From English 'little', with the medial 'tt' realised as a 'k' sound, a characteristic Patois consonant shift.
How it’s used
One of the most recognisable Patois words abroad, popularised through reggae and dancehall ('likkle more' meaning goodbye/see you later). 'Likkle more' is a common parting phrase.