{"id":2109,"date":"2022-02-28T20:22:26","date_gmt":"2022-02-28T20:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=2109"},"modified":"2022-02-28T20:22:26","modified_gmt":"2022-02-28T20:22:26","slug":"lickety-split-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/lickety-split-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Lickety Split \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you need a way to tell someone that you\u2019ll do something as fast as possible? If so, you could say to them you\u2019ll have it ready for them \u201clickity split<\/em>.\u201d This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The meaning of \u201clickity split<\/em>\u201d is to do something right away without hesitation and as quickly as possible. It means going headlong at full speed into any task and not asking for instructions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cHoney, I\u2019m just going down to the store to get some milk and the newspaper. I\u2019ll be back lickity split<\/em>, don\u2019t worry If I\u2019m not downstairs when you get up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWow, you were back fast; that trip to the store was lickity split<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have that ready for you lickity split<\/em> boss. I have to complete the cash flow forecasting, and then I\u2019ll have it ready and on your desk this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you said you\u2019d have the paperwork here lickity split<\/em>, but it\u2019s been over an hour, and I need to get to that meeting in ten minutes. Please tell me you have everything ready to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat guy behind the bar served my lickity split<\/em>; I was waiting less than a few seconds before he took my order.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The origin of the expression \u201clickity split<\/em>\u201d comes from the United States in the 1860s. The saying first appears as an alteration of \u201click<\/em>\u201d and the verb \u201csplit<\/em>.\u201d There is evidence in print pointing to the fact that the expression comes from the mid-19th century.<\/p>\n

The term appeared in the \u201cAdams Sentinel\u201d<\/em> newspaper in 1847, where it appears as follows.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn we went, lickity-split,<\/em> the harrycame blowed harder, the timbers began to creak, the sails split to ribbons, some of the spars begun to snap and go by the board, and then all at once there was a terrible cry, \u2018breakers ahead!\u201d<\/p>\n

The phrase also appears in a speech in 1848, as \u201clickoty split.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some language experts believe the addition of \u201clickity<\/em>\u201d to split comes to the US from the Scottish. There are several variations of the saying, including options like lickety split<\/em>, \u201clicketty cut<\/em>,\u201d \u201clickety click<\/em>,\u201d and \u201clickoty<\/em> split,\u201d suggesting a potential onomatopoeic connection to the phrase.<\/p>\n

The Americans kept innovating with language, and \u201clickity split<\/em>\u201d is no different. The expression evolved to a vulgar use in social media, defining the act of cunnilingus. This use of the saying first appears in the adult-themed magazine, Playboy, in the January 1970 issue<\/em>. The joke features Mae West in a crude outcome.<\/p>\n