Definition

Verb (British military slang): * To avoid work or duty; to shirk one's responsibilities, especially in a military context.

Usage

• This word is specifically used in British military slang to describe the act of avoiding assigned work or duties.
• It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. You "scrimshank," you do not "scrimshank something."
• The tone is informal and colloquial, used within a specific group (the military).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The word can imply a degree of cunning or laziness in avoiding work.
• While originating in the military, it can be understood in broader British informal contexts to mean shirking.

Variants and Related Words

• Scrimshanker (noun): A person who avoids work.
  • He was known as a scrimshanker who always found an excuse to leave early.

Synonyms

• Shirk
• Skive (British informal)
• Dodge
• Avoid
• Goldbrick (US informal)

Antonyms

• Work
• Toil
• Labor
• Apply oneself

Verb

1. British military language: avoid work