skivvy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, dated, often derogatory.
Quick answer
What does “skivvy” mean?
A domestic servant, especially one performing menial household tasks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A domestic servant, especially one performing menial household tasks.
A person who does hard, boring, or menial work for someone else; to perform such work.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is primarily a noun for a lowly domestic worker and a verb meaning to do such work. In American English, the term is rare and more likely understood in the British sense; it can also refer to a type of undershirt or T-shirt (from 'skivvy shirt').
Connotations
In British English, it is strongly class-associated and derogatory. In American English, if used, it may carry the same derogatory force but is more likely to be unfamiliar or associated with clothing.
Frequency
Much more common and established in British English. Very low frequency in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “skivvy” in a Sentence
skivvy for [someone]skivvy [task/role]skivvy around [place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skivvy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I spent the weekend skivvying for my in-laws.
- He's always skivvying around the office, making tea for everyone.
American English
- She felt like she was skivvying for the whole team during the project. (rare, but possible in understood BrE sense)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used; too informal and derogatory.
Academic
Not used; too informal.
Everyday
Used informally, mainly in British English, to complain about doing menial tasks, e.g., 'I'm tired of skivvying for my flatmates.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skivvy”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'skive' (BrE slang: to avoid work).
- Assuming it is neutral in tone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally considered derogatory and belittling, as it implies low-status, menial work and can be seen as demeaning to the person doing it.
Yes, primarily in British English. It means to work as a skivvy or to do menial tasks, e.g., 'I spent the morning skivvying in the kitchen.'
'Maid' is a more neutral, though somewhat old-fashioned, term for a female domestic servant. 'Skivvy' is informal, derogatory, and emphasizes the lowly, arduous nature of the work.
Rarely. When used, it is usually in the British sense. Americans might also encounter 'skivvy' as slang for a T-shirt or undershirt, but this is less common.
A domestic servant, especially one performing menial household tasks.
Skivvy is usually informal, dated, often derogatory. in register.
Skivvy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskɪv.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskɪv.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “treated like a skivvy”
- “skivvy for the boss”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a servant in a kitchen (SKI) very (VVY) busy — a 'skivvy' is the one doing the very tedious work.
Conceptual Metaphor
MENIAL WORK IS SERVITUDE / LOW-STATUS PERSON IS A TOOL
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'skivvy' most appropriately used?