What does skite mean?
Skite is chiefly a Scottish verb meaning to hurry away, slip off, or make oneself scarce. In informal British and Irish English it also functions as a noun for a contemptible or objectionable person. The verb can be used in commands such as “skite off,” while the noun often conveys open contempt rather than mild criticism. Because its sounds and forms are closely associated with northern British usage, the word can sound deliberately traditional or dialectal in modern speech. Skite is related in form and meaning to skate, reflecting a history of sliding or moving rapidly. Although it is not common in formal standard English, it is useful because its bluntness captures both quick departure and disapproval more forcefully than many conventional alternatives.
An informal, derogatory term for a contemptible or objectionable person.
"I don't want to deal with that skite."
Chiefly British and Irish informal usage; often strongly insulting.
To move off quickly, slip away, or make off.
"The crowd skited as soon as the game began."
Chiefly Scottish in contemporary use; also found in other northern English dialects.
The plural is grammatically regular but uncommon in ordinary use.
"Those two skites left without paying for their meal."
“Skite!” turns a plain dismissal into a distinctly Scottish command: get moving and get out of here.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skite come from?
The word comes into modern English from Scots usage, where skite has long meant to slip away or move off quickly. Its form and meaning are associated with the family of skate and with northern Germanic traditions of describing sliding movement. The exact historical development of the noun meaning “a contemptible person” is less securely documented, but it developed within British and Irish dialect and informal speech.
Related word forms
How skite is actually used
The noun is derogatory and informal. The verb is strongly associated with Scottish and northern English dialect usage and may sound old-fashioned or regional in formal contexts.
Easily confused with skite
To skate is to move over ice on blades, whereas to skite is to slip or hurry away.