skidoo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, historical slang (verb); Brand name/trademark (noun).
Quick answer
What does “skidoo” mean?
to leave quickly, to depart (used especially as an imperative).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to leave quickly, to depart (used especially as an imperative).
A brand name for a specific type of snowmobile, particularly in Canada; less commonly used as a verb meaning to leave. In historical slang, '23 skidoo' was a popular early 20th-century American phrase telling someone to go away.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a noun for a snowmobile, 'Skidoo' is recognised but less common in the UK; 'snowmobile' is generic. The verb/imperative 'skidoo' (or '23 skidoo') is of US origin and very rare in modern UK English.
Connotations
US/CA: As a noun, it connotes winter sports and Canadian culture. As a verb, it has a quaint, historical, or jocular connotation. UK: Primarily recognised as a brand name, if at all.
Frequency
The verb is extremely low frequency everywhere, surviving mainly in historical contexts or deliberate archaisms. The noun has moderate frequency in Canadian English in relevant contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “skidoo” in a Sentence
Imperative: 'Skidoo!'Intransitive verb: 'He skidooed out of there.'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skidoo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The meeting was dreadful, so I decided to skidoo early.
American English
- When the cops showed up, he yelled '23 skidoo!' and everyone scattered.
adverb
British English
- This is not applicable; 'skidoo' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This is not applicable; 'skidoo' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This is not applicable; 'skidoo' is not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- This is not applicable; 'skidoo' is not used as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the recreational vehicle industry (e.g., 'Bombardier Skidoo sales').
Academic
Virtually nonexistent except in historical linguistics studies of slang.
Everyday
In Canada: 'We took the Skidoos out on the lake.' Elsewhere: Very rare, potentially humorous ('Okay, I'm gonna skidoo.').
Technical
Refers to the specific vehicle in contexts of mechanics or outdoor recreation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skidoo”
- Using 'skidoo' as a common verb for 'to ski'.
- Capitalising incorrectly when referring to the brand ('Skidoo').
- Assuming it is current, widespread slang.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is primarily a trademark for a snowmobile (Bombardier Skidoo). It also exists as an archaic/humorous verb meaning 'to leave quickly'.
It was a popular American slang phrase in the early 1900s, essentially meaning 'Go away!' or 'Get lost!' Its exact origin is debated.
You can, but it will sound very old-fashioned, humorous, or deliberately quirky. It is not part of modern standard vocabulary.
'Snowmobile' is the generic term. 'Skidoo' (often capitalised) is a specific brand of snowmobile, much like 'Hoover' is a brand of vacuum cleaner.
to leave quickly, to depart (used especially as an imperative).
Skidoo is usually informal, historical slang (verb); brand name/trademark (noun). in register.
Skidoo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskiːduː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskiːduː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “23 skidoo”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SKIer saying 'I DO have to leave now!' blending into 'SKI-DOO' as they zoom away on a snowmobile.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEPARTURE IS A POWERED VEHICLE MOVING QUICKLY (linking the verb 'to leave' with the noun 'snowmobile').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'skidoo' most commonly used in modern Canadian English?