Meanings
- USarchaicidiomaticTo leave, particularly quickly or at an advantageous time.First known use c. 1908–1923
To all fake rappers, 23 skidoo
2005, “Sofa King”, in The Mouse and the Mask, performed by Danger Doom2 more examples
... the 'varsity quarter, who at the close of each meeting discards the conventional "I move we adjourn, sir,'" for the more modern "23, skidoo."
1908, George Washington University student publication, The Cherry tree: published by the students at George Washington university, page 348I 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.’
1928, Henry Robinson Luce, Time, volume 11
Synonyms & antonyms
phraseTo be forced to leave quickly.
to leave quickly, especially at an advantageous time
Origin
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.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
23 skidoo. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/23%20skidoo
“23 skidoo.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/23%20skidoo. Accessed November 2, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “23 skidoo,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/23%20skidoo.
Source: 23 skidoo on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.