23 skidoo

See also: 23 Skidoo Street

English

Etymology

From twenty-three (“get lost; get out; leave”) +‎ skidoo (“to depart, especially quickly”). Exact origin unknown; many theories exist, though none have been universally accepted. See the Wikipedia article for more information.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌtwɛnti ˌθɹiː skɪˈduː/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

Phrase

23 skidoo

1. (idiomatic, archaic, chiefly US) To leave, particularly quickly or at an advantageous time. [ca. 1908—1923]
   • 1908, George Washington University student publication, The Cherry tree: published by the students at George Washington university, page 348:

     ... the 'varsity quarter, who at the close of each meeting discards the conventional "I move we adjourn, sir,'" for the more modern "23, skidoo."

   • 1928, Henry Robinson Luce, Time, volume 11:

     I can imagine nothing more shocking than to hear some one use a slang expression current ten years ago, such as ‘23 skidoo’ or ‘you’re off your base.’

2. (idiomatic, archaic, chiefly US) To be forced to leave quickly. [ca. 1908—1923]

Synonyms

• (to leave quickly, especially at an advantageous time): scram, get out while the getting's good
• (to be forced to leave quickly): get rid of

Further reading

• 23 skidoo (phrase) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia