PhrasesHub

Twenty three skidoo

    Definitions

      • leave quickly
        To depart or leave a place hastily or abruptly

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Twenty three skidoo

    • The party came to a sudden end when the DJ suddenly announced, "Thank you and goodnight! Twenty three skidoo!"

      In this usage, "twenty three skidoo" is used as a slang term for "goodnight" or "the end." It's thought to have originated in the 1930s or '40s and may have been a code used by police officers to signal the end of a conversation or pursuit. Its origins are somewhat mysterious, with some speculating that it was a radio code used by the military during World War II or that it was a reference to a specific model of snowmobile. Today, it's largely considered an outdated slang term that has fallen out of common use.

    • The boss called the team together and said, "Okay, boys and girls, let's wrap this up. Twenty three skidoo!"

      Here, "twenty three skidoo" is used as a humorous and lighthearted way to signal the end of a project or meeting. While the original meaning of the phrase may have been serious, its use in popular culture over the years has led to its reinvention as a playful and somewhat quirky term.

    • The actor suddenly broke character and shouted, "Twenty three skidoo!" in the middle of the scene.

      In this instance, "twenty three skidoo" is being used in a non-literal sense to mean "get out of here" or "this scene is over." It's a humorous and colloquial way to signal the end of a scene or performance, and would likely be interchangeable with more common phrases like "cut" or "wrap" in a professional setting.

    • The student raised her hand and asked, "Excuse me, teacher, twenty three skidoo?"

      Here, "twenty three skidoo" is being used as a humorously exaggerated way to signal the end of a conversation or lesson. It's a humorous way to emphasize that the student is done asking questions or participating in class, and would likely elicit laughter or a raised eyebrow from the teacher or classmates. In this context, it's being used mostly as a joke or a funny idiomatic phrase.

    • The police raided the underground club and shouted "Twenty three skidoo!" as they kicked everyone out.

      This idiom, originating from a police code used in the 1960s, signifies immediate evacuation or closure. In this example, it represents the police forcibly closing down and clearing out the nightclub.

    • The CEO called an emergency meeting and announced, "Twenty three skidoo! This company is going bankrupt. We have to close our doors and liquidate assets."

      In this context, the idiom indicates a sudden closure or termination, particularly due to financial hardships.

    • The mayor declared, "Twenty three skidoo on this crime rate. It's time for us to take action and clean up our streets."

      Here, the idiom implies a rapid and decisive response to a problem, in this case, increasing crime rates, which requires immediate attention and action.

    • The teacher caught the students cheating during an exam and yelled, "Twenty three skidoo! Everyone pack your bags and leave immediately!"

      This use of the idiom indicates an abrupt dismissal or expulsion due to wrongdoing or misconduct. It's often used in authoritative or disciplinary contexts where quick and decisive action is necessary.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Twenty three skidoo" can be used to describe leaving quickly or to discourage someone from a particular action. It is often used in a light-hearted or humorous manner.

    Origin of "Twenty three skidoo"

    The origin of the idiom "Twenty three skidoo" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. The number "23" is thought to have been chosen because it was seen as a lucky or significant number at the time. The word "skidoo" is likely derived from the slang term "skedaddle," meaning to depart quickly.

    The idiom gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in New York City, where it was often used by police officers to disperse crowds. Over time, it evolved to also convey the meaning of discouraging someone from a particular action. Today, "Twenty three skidoo" is a well-known and often lighthearted expression used to describe leaving quickly or advising against a particular course of action.