Definition

Verb (intransitive, British informal): To deliberately and without permission stay away from school or work; to play truant.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the act of avoiding an obligation, typically school or work, by not attending. It is an informal, chiefly British expression. It is often used by or about young people skipping school.

Examples

• "He decided to bunk off school and go to the park instead."
• "I'm thinking of bunking off early this afternoon; I've finished all my work."
• "They were caught after they bunked off to watch a football match."

Advanced Usage

• The verb can be used with or without a direct object. When the place (school, work, a lecture) is mentioned, it follows "off."
  • To bunk off school / a lecture / work.
• It can also be used absolutely, without specifying what is being avoided.
  • "Where's Tom?" "He's bunking off again."

Variants and Related Words

• Bunk (verb): A shorter, more casual form with the same meaning.
  • "Let's just bunk and go to the cinema."
• Play truant / Hooky (verb phrases): More formal (truant) and American (hooky) synonyms.
  • He was playing truant. / He was playing hooky.

Synonyms

• Skip (chiefly North American)
• Play truant (formal)
• Play hooky (American)
• Skive off (British)

Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms

• Skive off: A very close British synonym for 'bunk off,' often implying avoiding work or a duty.
  • He's always finding excuses to skive off early.

Verb

1. play truant from work or school
   • The boy often plays hooky