Learning English

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Introduction

Skedaddle is an informal English verb which means to leave somewhere in a hurry. Learn how to use it here.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them, too! I'm Feifei and I'm joined by Georgie. How are you doing, Georgie?

Georgie
Well, Feifei I'm actually really busy today, I've got lots of things to do. So, after we record this, I'd better skedaddle and get to work.

Feifei
Oh, poor you! Well, 'skedaddle' is the word we're looking at in this programme. It's an informal English verb which means to leave somewhere quickly, often with a sense of urgency and in quite a chaotic manner.

Georgie
Yes. You could skedaddle because you're in a rush to get somewhere, or you skedaddle because you're scared of something. Humans skedaddle, but we can also use it to describe animals leaving quickly. Time for some examples.

Examples
We've got mice in our loft, but every time I go up there, they just skedaddle – we can't catch them.

Come on, guys. We need to stop wasting time and skedaddle, otherwise we're going to miss the flight!

So funny – George is terrified of spiders. Whenever he sees one, he skedaddles – he's off!

Feifei
OK Georgie, let's talk about its common forms. Earlier, you used it to talk about your own actions – you said, "I'd better skedaddle". How else is it used?

Georgie
Well, we can describe the actions of others. For example, last night, my sister skedaddled as soon as we'd finished dinner. She didn't even stay to help clear up!

Feifei
And a final one to mention is that it can be used as an imperative, to demand that people or animals leave very quickly. Although, we have to say it's quite an old-fashioned way of using 'skedaddle'. For example, imagine you're working on something at home, trying to focus and your sister won't leave you alone. You might say to her, "Go on, skedaddle! I've got to work!".

Georgie
OK. Let's recap. We've learnt 'skedaddle' which means to leave somewhere quickly or in a hurry.

Feifei
And, do come back next week for another episode. Thanks for joining us.

Georgie
Bye!

Feifei
Bye.

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