scrimshank
/'skrimʃænk/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- British military language: avoid work