23 skidoo en · X
Pronunciation
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.
Meanings
-
(US, archaic, idiomatic) To leave, particularly quickly or at an advantageous time.
To all fake rappers, 23 skidoo
2005, “Sofa King”, in The Mouse and the Mask, performed by Danger Doom:... 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 348: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.’
1928, Henry Robinson Luce, Time, volume 11:
- (US, archaic, idiomatic) To be forced to leave quickly.
- (US, archaic, idiomatic) A nonsense word.
Synonyms
get rid of (to be forced to leave quickly) · get out while the getting's good (to leave quickly, especially at an advantageous time) · scram (to leave quickly, especially at an advantageous time)