Absquatulate

/æbˈskwɒtʃʊleɪt/ verb

Definition

To leave somewhere abruptly and secretly; to abscond; to flee in a hurry.

Etymology

An American English humorous formation from the 1830s, blending 'abscond' + 'squat' + a Latinate suffix '-ulate.' Part of the 19th-century American fad of creating mock-learned words for comic effect.

Kelly Says

1830s Americans thought regular words for 'running away' were too boring, so they INVENTED this absurd fake-Latin word! It sounds like a magic spell for disappearing! Next time you leave a bad party: 'I must absquatulate!' 🏃‍♂️💨

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