British English Slang – Skive (or skive off).
To avoid work, school or your responsibilities, usually by staying away without permission. Maybe you’re feeling lazy, maybe you’re feeling blue (idiom), or maybe you just want to have fun!
Someone who often skives is a skiver. It’s informal and a little disapproving – bosses and teachers don’t like skivers!
Similar Expressions:
- Bunk off (British English) – “I’m going to bunk off school this afternoon.”
- Play hooky (American English) – “I’m going to play hooky today and go to the beach.”
- Pull a sickie (British and Australian English) – pretend to be ill so you can take the day off.
You might want to skive because you woke up like a bear with a sore head (idiom) or you’re down in the mouth (idiom). But skive too often and you may end up having to pound the pavement (idiom) looking for a new job!
Example:
- “I’m feeling lazy and I don’t want to go to work today. Let’s skive off and spend the day in bed!”
Learn More
Look it upSkiveWiktionaryWhat is slang?
Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.
Frequently Asked Questions
To avoid work, school or your duties, usually by staying away without permission.
“Play hooky” is a common American expression for skipping school or work.
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