skite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, dialectal
Quick answer
What does “skite” mean?
To boast or brag in a loud, showy manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To boast or brag in a loud, showy manner; to move or glance off quickly.
In some dialects, can mean to slide or slip on ice; also used as a noun for a boastful person or a glancing blow.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British, Irish, Scottish, and Australian English. In American English, it is very rare and would likely be misunderstood.
Connotations
In UK/Irish contexts, it strongly implies irritating or unjustified boasting. In Australian/NZ English, it can also mean 'to slide' or 'to move quickly'.
Frequency
Uncommon in standard English but persists in regional dialects, especially in Scotland, Ireland, and Australia.
Grammar
How to Use “skite” in a Sentence
[Subject] skites about [Object][Subject] skites that [Clause][Subject] skited off [Surface]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would always skite about his holiday home in Spain.
- The stone skited off the surface of the frozen pond.
American English
- (Rare) He's just skiting about his new job; I doubt it's that impressive.
- The puck skited off the goalie's helmet.
adverb
British English
- He talked skitely about his achievements.
American English
- (Rare) She answered skitely, full of self-praise.
adjective
British English
- He's a skitey sort of fellow, never stops talking about himself.
American English
- (Rare) That was a skitey thing to say in front of everyone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. If used, it would be highly informal and potentially derogatory (e.g., 'He's always skiting about his sales figures').
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation in specific dialects to criticize someone for boasting.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skite”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is widely understood in all English varieties.
- Confusing it with 'skate' (though they are etymologically related).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a low-frequency, informal word primarily used in specific dialects like Scottish, Irish, and Australian English.
No, it is strictly informal and dialectal. It should be avoided in formal, academic, or business contexts.
'Skite' carries a stronger negative connotation of empty, annoying, or unjustified bragging, whereas 'boast' can be more neutral.
Yes, especially in Scottish and Australian English, it can mean 'to move or glance off quickly' or 'to slide/slip', and as a noun, it can mean 'a boastful person' or 'a drinking spree' (Irish).
To boast or brag in a loud, showy manner.
Skite: in British English it is pronounced /skaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /skaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “full of skite (boastful)”
- “on the skite (on a drinking spree - Irish)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'kite' that flies high and shows off—a 'skite' is a person who 'flies high' with their own boasts.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOASTING IS PROJECTILE MOTION (words are thrown out carelessly and may glance off listeners).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'skite' LEAST likely to be understood in its meaning 'to boast'?