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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
InformalWhat 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 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.
