What does skiving mean?
Skiving means avoiding work, responsibilities, or other expected activities, usually by taking time off or behaving as though one is occupied. The expression is informal and commonly carries a mildly critical or humorous tone: describing someone as skiving implies that they are avoiding a duty rather than legitimately resting or dealing with an emergency. It is particularly associated with British and Irish English, although it is now understood more widely. The related expression “on the skive” refers to being away from work or an activity, while the noun use of skiving denotes that avoidance itself or a period of time spent doing so. In historical British usage, skiving could also mean slipping away or absenting oneself from work, including unexplained absence. Although the verb is often associated with the modern sense of avoiding one’s responsibilities, the word has long been used in more general senses of going off, absenting oneself, or taking unauthorized time away. It remains a piece of colloquial vocabulary rather than formal or neutral terminology.
To avoid or neglect work, duties, or responsibilities, especially by taking time off or behaving as though one is busy.
"They were skiving during the afternoon instead of completing the assignment."
Informal and often disapproving; chiefly associated with British and Irish English.
The activity of avoiding work or duties, or a period of time spent doing so.
"The workers were accused of taking an unauthorized skive."
Chiefly British and Irish English; less common than the verb use.
A rare plural, chiefly found in older British usage for periods or instances of avoiding work.
"The old ledger recorded the workers' skivings alongside their authorized leave."
“On the skive” turns the familiar school-day impulse to avoid class into a distinctly British piece of slang.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skiving come from?
Skiving is a chiefly British informal word that became established in the 19th century. Its precise origin is uncertain, although it may have developed from earlier British slang associated with absenting oneself or shirking work. The verb developed noun uses referring to an unauthorized absence or a period of avoiding duties, and its modern sense of deliberately avoiding work grew from that history.
Related word forms
How skiving is actually used
This is informal and often mildly disapproving, particularly when it describes avoiding work or school. It is especially common in British and Irish English.
Easily confused with skiving
In informal British English, skiving means avoiding one's duties, whereas skiving can also refer more generally to taking time away from an activity.