likee

See also: likeé and likée

English

Etymology

Attributed to various forms of pidgin English, most prominently from Chinese Pidgin English.

Verb

likee

  1. To like (to have affection for).
    • 1963, Meredith Scott, ed., The Fireside Treasury of Modern Humor, page 374:
      [C]onsider the disaster which overtook the young American who found himself seated next to the eminent Chinese, Wellington Koo, at a diplomatic banquet. Completely at a loss as to what to say to a Chinese, this young man, with a touch of genius such as may be detected only in real faux pas-masters, said: "Likee soupee?" Mr. Koo smiled and nodded. Several moments later, when called upon to say a few words, he delivered a brilliant little talk in flawless English, sat down while the applause was still resounding, turned to the young man and said: "Likee speechee?"

Usage notes

This word is frequently used in dialogue as a stand in for linguistic constructions used by non-native English speakers.

See also


Spanish

Verb

likee

  1. First-person singular (yo) present subjunctive form of likear.
  2. Formal second-person singular (usted) present subjunctive form of likear.
  3. Third-person singular (él, ella, also used with usted?) present subjunctive form of likear.
  4. Formal second-person singular (usted) imperative form of likear.
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