skosh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Informal)Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “skosh” mean?
A small amount.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small amount; a little bit.
Used as a quantifier to indicate a slight degree, adjustment, or amount.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This word is almost exclusively American in origin and use. It is rarely used or understood in British English without context.
Connotations
In American usage, it often carries a folksy, slightly quirky, or old-fashioned charm. It may be used to sound deliberately informal or precise about a small quantity.
Frequency
Very low frequency in British English; occasional, mostly recognized American English usage, particularly among older generations or in certain regions.
Grammar
How to Use “skosh” in a Sentence
a skosh + [adjective/comparative] (a skosh warm)a skosh + [noun] (a skosh of sugar)[verb] + a skosh (turn it a skosh)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skosh” in a Sentence
adverb
American English
- Could you speak a skosh louder?
- The soup is a skosh too salty.
- Tilt the lamp a skosh to the left.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in very informal internal discussions to suggest a minor adjustment ('Let's shave the price a skosh.').
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
The primary domain. Used in casual conversation about measurements, adjustments, or amounts ('Can you scoot over a skosh?').
Technical
Not used in formal technical writing. Could appear in informal maker/hobbyist contexts ('Loosen the bolt a skosh.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skosh”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skosh”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skosh”
- Using it as a verb (*'Skosh it over.').
- Using it to mean 'a lot' or ironically without clear context.
- Spelling it as 'scoche' or 'skotch'.
- Assuming it is commonly understood in all English varieties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It derives from Japanese 少し (sukoshi), meaning 'a little', brought to the US by servicemen after World War II and the Korean War.
Yes, it is informal, colloquial slang, not suitable for formal writing.
No, it is primarily a noun (a skosh). It modifies other words in phrases like 'a skosh more', functioning similarly to an adverb of degree.
In meaning, they are synonymous. 'Skosh' is more niche, regionally marked (American), and carries a distinct, sometimes quaint or precise stylistic flavor.
A small amount.
Skosh is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Skosh: in British English it is pronounced /skəʊʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /skoʊʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; the word itself is used idiomatically as a quantifier]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "scootch over" — you only move a small amount. "Skosh" sounds like a small, quick scoot.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS SPACE (moving 'a skosh' implies a small spatial adjustment).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'skosh' MOST appropriately used?