Likkle
Also spelled: lickle, likl
Meaning
Little or small in size, amount, or degree; often carries an affectionate or diminishing tone rather than a purely neutral measurement of size.
Examples
-
“Gi mi a likkle piece a di bread.”
Give me a little piece of the bread.
Standard use to indicate a small quantity.
-
“Wait likkle, mi soon come.”
Wait a moment, I'll be right back.
'Likkle' here softens the request and means a short while.
-
“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.