play hooky
Ditch class intentionally
Play hooky is to skip school or work without permission, typically to do something more enjoyable: Let's play hooky and go to the beach.
The phrase suggests a minor, often lighthearted rebellion rather than serious truancy.
Also spelled play hookey.
Rhythmic hopping locomotion
- ditchingHastily discarding something
- cutting classUnexcused absence from school
- bunkingSleeping somewhere temporarily
- unexcused absenceUnapproved failure to attend
AWOL · truant · absent · no-show · shirking · slacking · goofing off · faking illness
Absence of constraint
- adventureRisky exciting undertaking
- day offScheduled absence from work
- goofing aroundEngaging in silly behavior
- hanging outCasual socializing
killing time · loafing · bumming around · joy ride · beach day · sleeping in · recreation · staycation
Open resistance to authority
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
- rule-breakingDisregarding established standards
- nonconformityRejection of prevailing norms
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
acting out · teenage rebellion · Ferris Bueller · troublemaking · mischief
Departing covertly, undetected
- slipping awayGradually leaving or diminishing
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- avoidingDeliberately staying clear
- escapingDeparting confinement hastily
ducking out · skedaddling · disappearing · vanishing · lying low · flying under radar · covering tracks · making excuses
skipping
Rhythmic hopping locomotion
- ditchingHastily discarding something
- cutting classUnexcused absence from school
- bunkingSleeping somewhere temporarily
unexcused absence · AWOL · truant · absent · no-show · shirking · slacking · goofing off · faking illness · mental health day
freedom
Absence of constraint
- adventureRisky exciting undertaking
- day offScheduled absence from work
- goofing aroundEngaging in silly behavior
hanging out · killing time · loafing · bumming around · joy ride · beach day · sleeping in · recreation · staycation · personal day
defiance
Open resistance to authority
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
- rule-breakingDisregarding established standards
- nonconformityRejection of prevailing norms
insubordination · acting out · teenage rebellion · Ferris Bueller · troublemaking · mischief
sneaking out
Departing covertly, undetected
- slipping awayGradually leaving or diminishing
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- avoidingDeliberately staying clear
escaping · ducking out · skedaddling · disappearing · vanishing · lying low · flying under radar · covering tracks · making excuses · calling in sick
play hookyshow up
Arrive or outperform
attend · be present · go to work · clock in · punch in