The term ‘lickety split’ may be heard in a number of English conversations, but what is the meaning of this saying? We are going to take a look at what this saying means and how it can be used in a conversation. We will also look into the history of the term and where it originally came from.
“Lickety Split” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “lickety split” is an informal expression that means to do something very quickly or with great speed. It conveys a sense of urgency or promptness, often used to describe actions that are completed in a flash.
“Lickety Split” Meaning
The phrase “lickety split” means to do something very quickly or rapidly. It conveys a sense of swiftness and efficiency, often suggesting that an action is completed in a flash.
Examples:
- “I’ll be back lickety split with your coffee!”
- “The kids finished their homework lickety split so they could go outside to play.”
Origin of This Idiom
The origin of “lickety split” is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be a combination of two words: “lickety,” which is a variant of “lick” (to do something quickly), and “split,” which reinforces the idea of rapidity. The phrase has been in use since at least the early 19th century and is primarily found in American English.
Usage of “Lickety Split”
- In a conversation about speed:
“The kids cleaned up their toys lickety split when they heard it was time for dessert.”
- Talking about completing a task quickly:
“If you want to catch the bus, you better get ready lickety split!”
- During a discussion about efficiency:
“The new software has helped us process orders lickety split, significantly improving our workflow.”
- In a casual context:
“He finished his homework lickety split so he could go out to play with his friends.”
Related Terms to “Lickety Split”
- In a flash – indicating something happens very quickly.
- In no time – suggesting that something will be done very quickly.
- Quick as a flash – a phrase emphasizing speed.
- Speedy – describing something done rapidly.
- Fast track – a term used to indicate a quicker route or process.
- Swiftly – meaning done with speed or quickness.
- Hurry up – a directive to act quickly.
- Chop chop – an informal way of saying to hurry up or do something quickly.
- Posthaste – an older term meaning with great speed or urgency.
- Like lightning – a simile used to describe something happening very fast.
Other Ways to Say the Phrase
There are many other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘lickety split.’ Here are some examples of other things you might say.
- Pronto
- Make it snappy
- Hurry it up
- Lightning fast
- Quickly
- In a flash
“Lickety Split” Examples
Examples in Statements
This is a statement being made by a mother.
- ‘Come on kids, we have to go. Get your shoes on lickety split.’
Here is a statement which is being made by a teacher.
- ‘OK now class, we need to get this project finished lickety split.’
Conversation Examples
There are many times that the interesting idiomatic term ‘lickety split’ might be used in a conversation, Here are some examples to show you how it might work.
The first conversation is happening between two friends who are catching a bus.
- Person 1: “We are almost at the bus stop.”
- Person 2: “Yes, but look, the bus is already there.”
- Person 1: “We had better get there lickety split or we will miss it.”
This next conversation is between a boss and his employee.
- Person 1: “When do you need this paperwork completed by?”
- Person 2: “As soon as you can please.”
- Person 1: “OK, I will get on to it lickety split.”