hooky

or hook·ey

[hoo k-ee]

noun

unjustifiable absence from school, work, etc. (usually used in the phrase play hooky): On the first warm spring day the boys played hooky to go fishing.

Origin of hooky

1840–50, Americanism; perhaps alteration of phrase hook it escape, make off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for hookies

vacancy, absenteeism, truancy, nonattendance, AWOL, nonappearance, truantry

Examples from the Web for hookies

Contemporary Examples of hookies

The Hookies open with a performance by Boston-based rapper/songwriter/louchebag Cazwell.
And The Escort of The Year Is… Backstage at The Sex Oscars
Scott Bixby
March 24, 2014
The self-described “Pocket Gaysian” seems to be the only Hookies organizer who manages to stay on point.
And The Escort of The Year Is… Backstage at The Sex Oscars
Scott Bixby
March 24, 2014
Hookies nominees are a breed apart, however—no blurred-out profile photos attempt to hide their faces or identities.
And The Escort of The Year Is… Backstage at The Sex Oscars
Scott Bixby
March 24, 2014

Historical Examples of hookies

My fellow-laborer had already indulged in unnumbered "Hookies," and his eyes were set wide open by the wonders that surrounded us.
Down The River
Oliver Optic

British Dictionary definitions for hookies

hooky

hookey

noun

informal, mainly US, Canadian and NZ truancy, usually from school (esp in the phrase play hooky)

Word Origin for hooky

C20: perhaps from hook it to escape

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for hookies

hooky

also hookey, in the truant sense, 1848, American English (New York City), from Dutch hoekje "hide and seek;" or else from hook it, attested since 14c. as "make off, run away," originally "depart, proceed."

Idioms and Phrases with hookies

hooky

see play hooky.