What it means
To skive means dodging work, school, or whatever job's got your name on it when you really can't be arsed. It's slipping off, going missing for a bit, or somehow turning a tiny break into a full vanishing act. Usually it's said with a cheeky eye-roll, not like you've pulled off some massive crime.
Usage examples
"Where’s Tom gone now? Skiving off again, mate. Said he was nipping to the loo and came back forty minutes later with a meal deal and zero shame."
"He skived off double maths and spent the afternoon in the park, the cheeky thing."
"I cannot skive work again this week, the boss is already giving me funny looks."
"She’s not in that meeting, she’s skived off and left her status on green like a little office ninja."
"We used to skive PE, jump the back fence, and get chips before anyone clocked we'd gone."
Where it comes from
Skive is generally linked to French esquiver, meaning to dodge or slip away. It shows up in British military slang in the early 20th century, then drifts into everyday British English. After that it really settles in around school, work, and any situation where someone fancies quietly dodging their bit.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Magical Giggle Architect Official watcher of this expression
Tell me, what have you got for me?