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to play hooky
01
to not attend work, school, or other obligations without giving an explanation or getting permission
Dialect
American
American![to [play] (hooky|hookey) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/41560/original/?type=jpeg "to [play] (hooky|hookey) definition and meaning")
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "play hooky" and when to use it?
The phrase "play hooky" originated in the 19th century and referred to the act of skipping school or work without permission. The term "hooky" is believed to come from the Dutch word "hoekje," which means "a nook" or "a hiding place. It is used to describe the act of skipping school or work without permission.
Examples
He played hooky from work and spent the afternoon at the beach.
