scarper

American  

[skahr-per] / ˈskɑr pər /

verb (used without object)

British.

1. to flee or depart suddenly, especially without having paid one's bills.

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scarper British  

/ ˈskɑːpə /

verb

1. to depart in haste

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noun

1. a hasty departure

Etymology

Origin of scarper

First recorded in 1845–50; originally argot, probably from Polari, ultimately from Italian scappare “to flee,” from Vulgar Latin excappāre (unattested); escape

Example Sentences

She said they had heard loud music coming from inside and saw someone in the flat approach, but then "scarper" away.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2024

Throughout our conversation, he has been charming company while also giving the impression of a runner on the starting blocks, poised to scarper the second he hears the pistol.

From The Guardian • Jul. 24, 2019

Some will step up and some will scarper.

From The Guardian • Apr. 22, 2017

It is unlikely that your betrothed will scarper on horseback, as Julia Roberts did in “Runaway Bride”, and most insurers wouldn’t cover that anyway.

From Economist • Oct. 9, 2014

But if I tried to scarper and got caught, it'd mean we'd nicked the squash.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell