hooky
5 synonyms for hooky, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Unauthorized absence from school or work, as in "play hooky."
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use hooky
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
play hooky
play hookey
Etymology
First recorded in 1848 New York; likely from Dutch hoekje, meaning "corner" or "hiding spot," tied to hide-and-seek games.
Full origin of hooky →Frequently asked questions
What does “hooky” mean?
The word “hooky” means unauthorized absence from school or work, as in "play hooky.". In plain terms, skipping school or work without permission, or, separately, slang for something shady.
How do you pronounce “hooky”?
“Hooky” is pronounced HUU-kee (/ˈhʊki/ in IPA).
How do you use “hooky” in a sentence?
Here is “hooky” used in a sentence: “The kids decided to play hooky and go to the beach instead.”
What part of speech is “hooky”?
Depending on how it is used, “hooky” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “hooky” come from?
The word “hooky” dates back to around 1848 and comes from Dutch. First recorded in 1848 New York; likely from Dutch hoekje, meaning "corner" or "hiding spot," tied to hide-and-seek games.
How many meanings does “hooky” have?
“Hooky” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unauthorized absence from school or work, as in "play hooky.".
