Likkle
/ LIK-kul /Quick answer: Likkle (pronounced LIK-kul) is little, small, a bit.
What does Likkle mean?
Likkle means little or small. It describes size (‘a likkle house’), amount (‘gimme a likkle’) and time (‘wait a likkle’). It also appears in many fixed phrases.
Where does Likkle come from?
It is the Jamaican pronunciation of ‘little’, with the ‘t’ sound softened to ‘k’ — a common sound change in Patois.
How to use Likkle
Key phrases: likkle more (see you later), likkle bit (a small amount), and the proud saying wi likkle but wi tallawah (we’re small but mighty), which Jamaicans use about their country.
| Jamaican Patois | English |
|---|---|
| Gimme a likkle piece. | Give me a little piece. |
| Likkle more! | See you later! |
| Wi likkle but wi tallawah. | We’re small but strong. |
Other spellings
Because Patois is mostly spoken, spellings vary. You may also see: lickle, likle.
Related Patois words
Likkle more · Tallawah · Likkle but mi tallawah · Lickle-lickle
Frequently asked
What does ‘likkle more’ mean?
See you later — literally ‘a little more’ (later).
Is it spelled likkle or lickle?
Both are common; likkle is the most widely used spelling.
Look up more words in the Jamaican Patois Dictionary, or see Likkle in the dictionary.