skiddoo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
ArchaicSlang
Quick answer
What does “skiddoo” mean?
To leave quickly or depart, often in a humorous or informal context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To leave quickly or depart, often in a humorous or informal context.
A slang term used to express a quick departure, typically with a light-hearted or urgent tone, historically associated with early 20th century American English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is of American origin and has never been standard in British English. It is virtually unused in modern British English.
Connotations
In both dialects, it conveys a light-hearted, old-fashioned sense of urgency to leave.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary language; occasionally encountered in period literature or media, more so in American contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “skiddoo” in a Sentence
Intransitive: subject + skiddooImperative: Skiddoo!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skiddoo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He simply said 'skiddoo' and was gone.
- The children were told to skiddoo from the park.
American English
- Skiddoo before the trouble starts!
- He skiddooed out of there in a hurry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; too informal for business settings.
Academic
Not used in academic discourse.
Everyday
Rarely used; might be employed jokingly among friends familiar with archaic slang.
Technical
No technical application.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skiddoo”
- Using 'skiddoo' in formal writing or speech, or confusing it with 'skid' which means to slide uncontrollably.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic and is rarely used in modern conversation.
It originated in American slang in the early 20th century, possibly as a playful alteration of 'skedaddle'.
No, it is informal slang and should be avoided in formal contexts.
Yes, it is famously associated with the phrase '23 skiddoo' from the 1920s, often used in popular culture of the time.
To leave quickly or depart, often in a humorous or informal context.
Skiddoo: in British English it is pronounced /skɪˈduː/, and in American English it is pronounced /skɪˈduː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “23 skiddoo”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'skid' as in skidding away, and 'doo' as in doing it quickly – skiddoo means to leave fast.
Conceptual Metaphor
Departure as a swift, almost comical escape.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'skiddoo'?