The British slang for "playing hooky" is skiiving.
Understanding "Playing Hooky" in British English
When someone in the United Kingdom deliberately avoids school or work without permission, particularly to shirk responsibilities or duties, they are commonly described as skiiving. This informal term directly corresponds to the American English phrase "playing hooky."
While "playing hooky" predominantly refers to skipping school, the term "skiiving" (also frequently spelled "skiving") is broadly used across the UK to describe avoiding either educational or professional duties. It encapsulates the act of dodging one's obligations by being absent or idle.
| Term | Region | Common Context |
|---|---|---|
| Skiiving | United Kingdom | School, Work |
| Playing hooky | United States | Primarily School |
The word "skive" itself is a verb meaning to avoid work or a duty by staying away or leaving early. For a deeper understanding of its usage, you can refer to definitions in reputable dictionaries such as the Oxford Learner's Dictionaries.
Other Common British Terms for Skipping Responsibilities
Beyond "skiiving," British English features several other informal expressions for unauthorized absence from school or work. These terms often carry slight nuances or are more common in particular contexts:
- Bunking off: This is an extremely common term, especially among students, used to describe skipping school. For example, "They decided to bunk off lessons to go to the park."
- Dossing: While "dossing" can mean lounging around or idly passing time, it can also imply not attending school or work when one should.
- Wagging it: Though perhaps less common among younger generations today, this term was traditionally used to refer to skipping school.
Examples of Usage
To illustrate how these terms are used in everyday conversation, consider the following examples:
- "He's been skiiving off work all week, claiming he's sick."
- "Don't bunk off school again, your parents will be furious."
- "They spent the afternoon dossing instead of attending their university lectures."
These slang terms are deeply embedded in informal British communication, providing concise ways to describe the act of avoiding responsibilities or duties.
