Twenty-three skidoo

Meaning

The idiom "twenty-three skidoo" means to leave quickly, hurriedly, or secretly. It is often used when someone wants to avoid a situation or person they don't want to deal with. The phrase originated in the United States and is related to the game of ice hockey. In hockey, a player may use their stick to try and knock an opponent off balance by hitting them on their waist or hips. If the opponent falls, it is sometimes referred to as a "twenty-three skidoo," which means they have fallen from their position and are now out of the game.

Usage

• John had to twenty-three skidoo from his meeting with the boss after he found out they were going to lay off several employees.
• When she heard her ex-boyfriend was coming, Sarah quickly twenty-three skidooed out of the room.
• The thief tried to twenty-three skidoo without paying for anything, but they were caught red-handed.
• The police officer told me I had to twenty-three skidoo from here before he arrested me for shoplifting.
• When the game ended in a tie, the players quickly twenty-three skidooed off the ice and left the arena.

Roots and History

The idiom "twenty-three skidoo" was first documented in the 1980s. It was originally used as a slang term among hockey players and has since spread to popular culture. The phrase is not directly related to the game of hockey, but it is believed to have originated from the phrase "23 skids," which refers to the number of points awarded for a game-winning goal in hockey. It is possible that this phrase was used by hockey players to describe a situation where they had to quickly leave or avoid someone, leading to the development of the current idiom.

Synonyms in English

• Scramble
• Hightail it outta here
• Beat feet
• Make like a bandit
• Skedaddle

Synonyms in other languages

• ¡Fuera! (Spanish) - This phrase literally means "Get out!" and is commonly used to tell someone to leave quickly.
• Scatter! (German) - This phrase is used to disperse a group of people, such as if they are in danger or if there is a problem.
• Allez-yous! (French) - This phrase is used to encourage someone to go or leave quickly.
• Chop-chop! (Malayalam) - This phrase means "Hurry up!" and is commonly used in daily conversation.
• Hara hachi bu! (Japanese) - This phrase is used to express the idea of eating until you feel 80% full, which is considered a healthy way to eat.

Similar Idioms

• turn the clock back

• tie the knot

• too many cooks spoil the broth