wi likkle more
The English phrase "talk to you later" is expressed in Jamaican as wi likkle more.
wi likkle more is a casual way to say goodbye when you expect to speak with the person again soon.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "we a little more", which implies "we will [see/talk to each other in] a little more [time]".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
wi likkle more is a common, informal way to say goodbye among friends and acquaintances.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In rural areas, the variation Wi reason bak can be used to mean "we'll talk again".
Did you know?
- Jamaican Patois is a creole language, meaning it blends English with West African languages. This is why the phrase wi likkle more follows a different grammatical structure than standard English.
- The word wi is derived from the English 'we' and is also found in Sranan Tongo, a language spoken in Suriname.
- The word likkle is not just for time. It is used as a general modifier for size, amount and intensity in ways that 'little' is not used in standard English.
Examples in context
- Link up later, nuh!Talk to you later
- Mi deh yah, wi catch up lata!I'm here, we'll catch up later!
- Wi likkle more, man.Talk to you later, man.
- Alright den, wi likkle more.Alright then, talk to you later.
- Mi a go, wi likkle more.I'm leaving, talk to you later.
Example conversation
Shanti and Andre are finishing a quick chat on the street.
- ShantiMi haffi go now, Andre.I have to go now, Andre.
- AndreNo problem, Shanti. Wi likkle more.No problem, Shanti. Talk to you later.
- ShantiYeah, wi likkle more.Yeah, talk to you later.
- AndreWalk gud.Walk well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries likkle, wi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
