The act of skipping school or work without permission, as in the phrase 'playing hooky.'
American slang from the 1800s, possibly from 'hook,' suggesting sneaking away or 'hooking' yourself out of school. The exact origin is uncertain but may relate to evasion.
Nobody knows for sure where 'hooky' comes from, but it became popular slang in 1800s New York—and 'playing hooky' is still the rebellious way kids around the world talk about skipping school!
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