play hooky
Definition
Verb (intransitive) * To be absent from school or work without permission or a valid excuse; to skip school or work deliberately.
Usage
This is an informal, chiefly North American expression. It describes the act of avoiding an obligation (typically school, but sometimes work) intentionally. It implies a sense of mischief or playing around instead of attending.
Examples
- The students decided to play hooky and go to the beach.
- He played hooky from his office job to watch the baseball game.
- I never dared to play hooky when I was in school.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a connotation of youthful mischief or a minor, temporary rebellion against authority (teachers, employers).
- It is less formal than synonyms like "truant" or "absent without leave."
Variants and Related Words
- Play truant: (Verb, chiefly British) The British English equivalent with the same meaning.
- Skip school/class/work: (Verb phrase) A more neutral and common way to express the same idea.
- Cut class: (Verb phrase) Specifically for missing a class or lecture.
Synonyms
- Truant
- Skip
- Cut
- Miss (informally)
Related Idioms
- Play hooky from life: An extended, metaphorical use meaning to temporarily escape from one's usual responsibilities and routines.
- After a stressful year, she needed a week to just play hooky from life.
Verb
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play truant from work or school
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The boy often plays hooky
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