Etymology

23 skidoo

Today it means: To leave, particularly quickly or at an advantageous time. Full definition →

First used c. 1908–1923
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The story

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.

First known use, by meaning

  • from c. 1908–1923 To leave, particularly quickly or at an advantageous time.
  • from c. 1908–1923 To be forced to leave quickly.
  • from c. 1900–1910 A nonsense word.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.