skeeve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MidInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “skeeve” mean?
To feel intense disgust or revulsion towards someone or something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To feel intense disgust or revulsion towards someone or something; to be repulsed.
Used informally to describe a person, situation, or thing that is creepy, off-putting, or deeply distasteful; can also describe making someone feel that way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually nonexistent in mainstream UK English; it remains a primarily American slang term, though it may be understood in the UK via media exposure.
Connotations
In AmE, strongly associated with informal, youthful, and often urban speech. In BrE, if used, it would likely be seen as an Americanism.
Frequency
Common in informal American speech, especially among younger demographics. Very rare in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “skeeve” in a Sentence
[Subject] skeeves [Object Pronoun] out.[It/That/He/She] skeeves me.I'm skeeved out by [Noun Phrase].Find [Noun Phrase] skeevy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skeeve” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- That guy's constant staring would totally skeeve me out.
- The state of the shared kitchen skeeves her.
American English
- The way he leers skeeves me out.
- Public restrooms without seat covers skeeve her.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'skeevily' is extremely rare and non-standard.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'skeevily' is extremely rare and non-standard.)
adjective
British English
- That was a really skeevy thing to say.
- I got a skeevy vibe from the whole neighbourhood.
American English
- He gave me a skeevy look.
- Don't go to that bar, it's kinda skeevy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; would be seen as unprofessional slang.
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation among friends, especially in the US, to express strong distaste.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skeeve”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with "sleeve".
- Using "skeeve" as a noun (less common; the adjective "skeevy" and phrasal verb "skeeve out" are standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal American slang and should be avoided in formal writing and speech.
They are very similar. 'Skeeve out' often implies a creepier, more unsettling feeling alongside disgust, while 'gross out' is more purely about physical disgust.
It is not a standard British English word. While some people might understand it from American media, using native terms like 'creep out' or 'gross out' is more common and natural in the UK.
The phrasal verb 'skeeve out' (e.g., 'That skeeves me out') and the adjective 'skeevy' (e.g., 'a skeevy guy') are the most frequently used forms.
To feel intense disgust or revulsion towards someone or something.
Skeeve: in British English it is pronounced /skiːv/, and in American English it is pronounced /skiv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be skeeved out”
- “A skeevy joint”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sleeve' — if something is so gross you wouldn't want it touching your sleeve, it SKEEVES you out.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISGUST IS A PHYSICAL CONTAMINANT (The thing that 'skeeves' you out is seen as dirty or infectious).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would using the word 'skeeve' be MOST appropriate?