noun
hooky
HUU-kee
noun
1
Unauthorized absence from school or work, as in "play hooky."
"The kids decided to play hooky and go to the beach instead."
adj
1
Informal: dishonest or suspicious; shady.
"Something about that deal seemed a bit hooky."
How to Use Hooky
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSkipping school or work without permission, or, separately, slang for something shady.
Common pairings
play hooky
play hookey
Word Forms
hookier comparative, hookiest superlative
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Etymology
First recorded in 1848 New York; likely from Dutch hoekje, meaning "corner" or "hiding spot," tied to hide-and-seek games.