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View synonyms for hooky

hooky

1
or hook·ey

[ hook-ee ]

noun

  1. unjustifiable absence from school, work, etc. (usually used in the phrase play hooky ):

    On the first warm spring day the boys played hooky to go fishing.



hooky

2

[ hook-ee ]

adjective

, hook·i·er, hook·i·est.
  1. full of hooks. hook.
  2. hook-shaped.

hooky

/ ˈhʊkɪ /

noun

  1. informal.
    truancy, usually from school (esp in the phrase play hooky )


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Word History and Origins

Origin of hooky1

1840–50, Americanism; perhaps alteration of phrase hook it escape, make off

Origin of hooky2

First recorded in 1545–55; hook 1 + -y 1

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Word History and Origins

Origin of hooky1

C20: perhaps from hook it to escape

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Idioms and Phrases

see play hooky .

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Example Sentences

I joined the ranks of experts and students playing session-hooky in the hallways.

They even tacked an extra day onto the jaunt, playing hooky that Tuesday.

Many American kids are returning to the classroom today after a summer playing hooky.

Hooky indicates an inability to create stories that take place in and around school and, therefore, a dearth of inspiration.

I think there comes a time, in creative work, for playing hooky.

Wish I could make up my mind, he said, like a boy in some doubt how he can best put in his time when he plays hooky.

His coal-black, glossy hair commanded and obtained her admiration, and she found his hooky nose to be handsome.

That he naturally despised the articles of such a soulless faith was evident in his constant inclination to play hooky.

It wasnt the usual playing hooky from school case that the judge was taking up now.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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