skip off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (Informal)Informal, Conversational
Quick answer
What does “skip off” mean?
To leave quickly, casually, or unexpectedly, often without permission or to avoid responsibility.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To leave quickly, casually, or unexpectedly, often without permission or to avoid responsibility.
Can imply a light-hearted, carefree departure, or a sneaky, irresponsible act of leaving.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and natural-sounding in British English. In American English, 'ditch', 'take off', or 'duck out' might be preferred in similar contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a slightly mischievous or irresponsible connotation, but can also be neutral for a light-hearted exit.
Frequency
Used occasionally in British English; less frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “skip off” in a Sentence
[Subject] + skip off (+ from + Place) (+ to + Place/Activity)[Subject] + skip off + Adverb (early, quietly)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skip off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We might skip off early if the weather stays nice.
- He's always trying to skip off maths to play football.
American English
- She skipped off work to catch the matinee.
- The kids skipped off to the park without a word.
adverb
British English
- N/A for phrasal verb.
American English
- N/A for phrasal verb.
adjective
British English
- N/A for phrasal verb.
American English
- N/A for phrasal verb.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal; e.g., 'He skipped off early on Friday.' Implies unprofessionalism.
Academic
Not used in formal writing. Might appear in informal speech about attendance.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about leaving work/school early or avoiding an event.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skip off”
- Using it for simply 'missing' an event without the act of leaving a current obligation (e.g., 'I skipped off the meeting' is odd). Using it in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Skip' alone can mean to omit or jump lightly. 'Skip off' is a phrasal verb specifically meaning to leave a place, especially when you shouldn't.
No, it is far too informal. Use 'leave early', 'depart prematurely', or 'be absent from' instead.
They are very similar, but 'bunk off' is stronger British slang, almost exclusively for avoiding school/work. 'Skip off' can be slightly milder and used for shorter, quicker departures.
Not always. While it often implies avoiding duty, it can have a neutral or even positive connotation of a spontaneous, cheerful departure (e.g., 'They skipped off to celebrate'). Context is key.
To leave quickly, casually, or unexpectedly, often without permission or to avoid responsibility.
Skip off: in British English it is pronounced /skɪp ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /skɪp ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To give something a miss (related in meaning of avoiding)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child SKIPPING (hopping joyfully) OFF the school playground before the bell rings.
Conceptual Metaphor
AVOIDING RESPONSIBILITY IS PHYSICAL DEPARTURE / FREEDOM IS LIGHT MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'skip off' MOST appropriately used?