“Lickety split” is an informal expression that means very quickly or immediately. People use it when something happens with impressive speed, often in everyday speech rather than formal writing.
The exact origin is not fully certain, but it is widely linked to older American slang. In that slang, lick could suggest speed, a sudden movement, or a quick burst of action. Over time, lickety split developed as a playful, rhythmic way to say that something happened fast.
Today, the phrase is mostly used for tone as well as meaning. It sounds lively and conversational, so it often appears in speech, stories, and informal writing.
- We packed the car lickety split and left before the storm.
- The mechanic fixed the flat tire lickety split.
- If you email her the file, she will reply lickety split.
Because it is informal, it is better in casual contexts than in business or academic writing. In a formal setting, you might choose quickly, promptly, or immediately instead.