What does quickie mean?
A quickie is an informal noun for something done briefly or quickly. It may refer to a short task, a quick visit, a brief question, a fast drink, or another minor matter that can be completed without delay. The word often has a casual, mildly dismissive tone, suggesting that the activity is relatively trivial or demands little time. In another common sense, a quickie is a brief sexual encounter. These meanings are both used conversationally rather than in formal writing, although the sexual sense can sound playful, boastful, or slightly vulgar depending on context. Because the suffix -ie gives the word an informal and often diminutive character, quickie is generally less neutral than simply saying something is quick or brief. It is useful in speech when the speaker wants to emphasize speed, brevity, or informality.
An informal term for a task, act, or item done briefly or quickly.
"The repair was a quickie and needed only a few minutes."
Often conversational; it may imply that the task is minor or can be completed without much effort.
An informal term for a brief sexual encounter.
"They had a quickie before going back to the party."
Informal and sometimes playful or vulgar, depending on the speaker and audience.
The usual plural; informal, especially when referring to brief tasks or encounters.
"We still have a few quickies to finish."
A quickie packs the idea of speed into a diminutive-sounding noun that can refer to almost anything brief—and sometimes to something more playfully intimate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quickie come from?
The word combines quick with the productive suffix -ie, which can create informal nouns referring to a quick person or thing. It developed in English during the early twentieth century in the sense of a brief or hurried act. The form is especially associated with conversational and colloquial usage. It parallels other English formations using -ie, such as a toughie or aie, while the underlying adjective quick continues the older English word for rapid or lively.
How quickie is actually used
Informal; it can be dismissive when describing work or obligations and is often jocular or slightly vulgar in the sexual sense.
Easily confused with quickie
Quick is normally an adjective meaning fast or done with speed, whereas quickie is an informal noun for a brief task or encounter.