English
Etymology
Attributed to various forms of Pidgin English, most prominently from Chinese Pidgin English.
Verb
likee
- to like (to have affection for)
#:1963, Meredith Scott, ed., The Fireside Treasury of Modern Humor, p. 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.
Category:English interjections
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