SKEDADDLE Meaning and
Definition
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Skedaddle is a colloquial verb that means to suddenly run away or depart quickly and hurriedly from a place or situation, typically in order to avoid trouble or danger. It implies a hasty and often clumsy movement, often used humorously or lightheartedly to describe someone's sudden departure.
The word originated in the United States, particularly during the American Civil War, and gradually entered into common usage. It exhibits a lively and somewhat playful tone, often used to add emphasis or excitement to the act of fleeing or escaping from a particular situation. Skedaddle is frequently used to describe the action of animals, particularly smaller creatures, in scurrying away from danger or perceived threats.
The term carries a connotation of suddenness, urgency, and a sense of chaotic retreat. It portrays an image of individuals or creatures quickly and recklessly fleeing a potentially hostile or threatening environment. Skedaddle is typically used in informal or casual contexts and possesses a slang-like quality that adds a sense of informality and vibrancy to its meaning.
In summary, skedaddle is a lively and playful verb that describes the act of rapidly and unceremoniously departing from a place or situation to evade danger or trouble. It conveys a sense of hastiness and often carries humorous undertones, making it a colorful and expressive addition to the English lexicon.
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An Americanism-to act the coward in running away from the post of danger or duty; to betake one's self to flight in a hasty or secret manner; to flee.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SKEDADDLE
Etymology of SKEDADDLE
The word "skedaddle" dates back to the mid-19th century in the United States. Its exact origin is uncertain, but there are a few theories surrounding its etymology.
One theory suggests that "skedaddle" may have derived from the Spanish term "escodar", which means "to run away" or "to escape". Considering the close proximity between the US and Mexico, it's plausible that this Spanish word transitioned into American English. Over time, "escodar" could have been anglicized into "skedaddle".
Another theory proposes that the word could have emerged from a military context during the American Civil War. The term "scaddle" was used among soldiers to mean "to scatter" or "to disperse". "Skedaddle" could have then developed as a rhyming alteration or a playful distortion of "scaddle".
Conjugate verb Skedaddle
CONDITIONAL
I
would skedaddle
you
would skedaddle
he/she/it
would skedaddle
we
would skedaddle
they
would skedaddle
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be skedaddling
you
would be skedaddling
he/she/it
would be skedaddling
we
would be skedaddling
they
would be skedaddling
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have skedaddle
you
would have skedaddle
he/she/it
would have skedaddle
we
would have skedaddle
they
would have skedaddle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been skedaddling
you
would have been skedaddling
he/she/it
would have been skedaddling
we
would have been skedaddling
they
would have been skedaddling
FUTURE
I
will skedaddle
you
will skedaddle
he/she/it
will skedaddle
we
will skedaddle
they
will skedaddle
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be skedaddling
you
will be skedaddling
he/she/it
will be skedaddling
we
will be skedaddling
they
will be skedaddling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have skedaddled
you
will have skedaddled
he/she/it
will have skedaddled
we
will have skedaddled
they
will have skedaddled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been skedaddling
you
will have been skedaddling
he/she/it
will have been skedaddling
we
will have been skedaddling
they
will have been skedaddling
IMPERATIVE
you
skedaddle
we
let´s skedaddle
to skedaddle
PAST
I
skedaddled
you
skedaddled
he/she/it
skedaddled
we
skedaddled
they
skedaddled
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was skedaddling
you
were skedaddling
he/she/it
was skedaddling
we
were skedaddling
they
were skedaddling
PAST PARTICIPLE
skedaddled
PAST PERFECT
I
had skedaddled
you
had skedaddled
he/she/it
had skedaddled
we
had skedaddled
they
had skedaddled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been skedaddling
you
had been skedaddling
he/she/it
had been skedaddling
we
had been skedaddling
they
had been skedaddling
PRESENT
I
skedaddle
you
skedaddle
he/she/it
skedaddles
we
skedaddle
they
skedaddle
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am skedaddling
you
are skedaddling
he/she/it
is skedaddling
we
are skedaddling
they
are skedaddling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
skedaddling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have skedaddled
you
have skedaddled
he/she/it
has skedaddled
we
have skedaddled
they
have skedaddled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been skedaddling
you
have been skedaddling
he/she/it
has been skedaddling
we
have been skedaddling
they
have been skedaddling
I
would have skedaddled
we
would have skedaddled
you
would have skedaddled
he/she/it
would have skedaddled
they
would have skedaddled
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