lickety-split

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

First attested during the 19th century, in the US, equivalent to lickedy +‎ split, perhaps as a reference to the flick of a snake's tongue. The forms lickety-cut and licketie are similarly attested; and forms with t are likely due to Scottish influence.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (US):(file)

Adverb

lickety-split (not comparable)

  1. Quickly; as fast as possible; in short order.
    At the sound of the starting gun, they were off and running lickety-split.
    I need tea right now, lickety-split.

References