This phrase is one you might regularly hear in English conversation. But what does 23 skidoo mean and where do we find its origins? We will take a look at this phrase and how we can use it in our day to day conversations.
23 Skidoo Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “23 skidoo” is an American slang phrase that originated in the early 20th century. It means to leave quickly or make a swift exit, often in a playful or cheeky way. It can also imply getting out of a situation just in time or avoiding trouble.
What Does 23 Skidoo Mean?
The meaning of the slang phrase 23 skidoo is simply to tell someone to ‘get lost‘ or to tell them to be on their way. It is not an overly offensive way to tell someone to move along and so is sometimes also used in an endearing sense.
Origin of 23 Skidoo
The term 23 skidoo has its roots in the early 20th century. It found its beginnings when homeless people would sleep on 23rd street and when police officers would come to move them along, they would hit them with their clubs and tell them to ’23 skidoo.’
Usage of 23 Skidoo
To Describe Leaving Quickly
Use it when you want to express leaving a place in a hurry, often with a sense of urgency or purpose.
- Example: “The storm’s rolling in, so we’d better 23 skidoo!”
- When to Use: When leaving suddenly or avoiding something.
In Playful or Nostalgic Conversations
Use it to evoke a vintage or old-timey feel, often referencing early 20th-century slang.
- Example: “Well, it’s been fun, but time to 23 skidoo before the boss catches me!”
- When to Use: In lighthearted or nostalgic moments where the tone is informal and fun.
To Express Escaping or Avoiding Trouble
Use it when someone is leaving a situation to avoid getting caught or involved in trouble.
- Example: “The teacher turned around, and we had to 23 skidoo out of the hallway.”
- When to Use: When describing a quick getaway from a problematic or awkward scenario.
In Storytelling or Creative Writing
Use it to add charm, humor, or historical flavor to a story or dialogue.
- Example: “The gang saw the cops coming and decided to 23 skidoo before things got messy.”
- When to Use: In narratives or dialogues to evoke the spirit of the 1920s or retro Americana.
To Lighten a Situation with Humor
Use it as a whimsical or amusing way to announce your departure.
- Example: “Dinner was great, but I’ve got to 23 skidoo before my ride leaves!”
- When to Use: To make leaving feel lighthearted or quirky.
Related Terms to 23 Skidoo
- Skedaddle: To leave hurriedly or run away.
- Scram: A slang term meaning to leave or get out quickly.
- Vamoose: To depart quickly, often with urgency.
- Beat it: A colloquial term meaning to leave immediately.
- Hightail it: To leave in a hurry, often implying a sense of urgency or fear.
- Get the heck out: A casual way of saying to leave a situation quickly.
- Make tracks: To leave or move away quickly.
- Cut and run: To leave abruptly, often to avoid trouble.
- Bolt: To leave suddenly or unexpectedly.
Other Ways to Say the Phrase
There are many ways to tell someone to 23 skidoo, some are more polite than others. Some examples of this might be;
- Buzz off
- Scram
- Take a hike
Examples of 23 Skidoo
The ways you might use the term 23 skidoo in a conversation might look a little bit like these examples.
Example 1:
- Person 1:John was really trying my patience yesterday.
- Person 2: What did you do about it?
- Person 1: I told him to 23 skidoo.
Example 2:
- Person 1: Haha you lost the game, I won.
- Person 2: Oh 23 skidoo, will you.