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to play hooky
01
to not attend work, school, or other obligations without giving an explanation or getting permission
![to [play] (hooky|hookey) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/41560/original/?type=jpeg "to [play] (hooky|hookey) definition and meaning")
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.
Example
The teenager was caught playing hooky from school and was given detention as a punishment.
She felt guilty about playing hooky from her job, but she needed a mental health day to recharge.
The students decided to play hookey and skip their classes, instead spending the day at the mall.
He decided to play hooky from work and spend the day at the beach.
He used to play hookey all the time when he was younger, but he quickly learned that it was a bad habit that led to trouble.
