noun
skell
Skell (noun) means a homeless person, especially one who sleeps in the New York subway.
noun
1
a homeless person, especially one who sleeps in the New York subway.
"Did you see those two skells lying in the doorway?"
2
(US, informal) A man on the street thought likely to be involved in crime, such as dealing drugs or begging.
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Etymology
* Perhaps from skeleton, describing the often skeletal appearance of drug users. * Alternatively, from skellum or skelder ("to beg in the streets"). Used by Ben Jonson, 1599. * In the sense of a suspicious person, popularized by the American TV police drama NYPD Blue.
Rhymes for skell
See all rhymes for skell →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of skell?
"skell" (noun) means a homeless person, especially one who sleeps in the New York subway.
What are the different meanings of skell?
"skell" has 2 main meanings: 1. a homeless person, especially one who sleeps in the New York subway; 2. (US, informal) A man on the street thought likely to be involved in crime, such as dealing drugs or begging.
