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Skiver Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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skiver

[ˈskaɪvər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ski equipment

A skiver is a person who skives or avoids work or duty. They often pretend to be sick or come up with excuses to avoid responsibilities.

Synonyms

loafer, shirker, slacker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
skiver

This word is used primarily in British English to describe someone who avoids work or responsibility, often used in a casual or colloquial way.

  • He's such a skiver, always finding an excuse to leave early.
  • The manager is frustrated with all the skivers in the office.
slacker

Commonly used in both American and British English to describe someone who avoids work or effort, often implying laziness or lack of ambition.

  • He's such a slacker, never finishes his assignments on time.
  • The team couldn't rely on him because he was known as a slacker.
loafer

This term refers to someone who habitually avoids work and is often seen as lazy. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • He's been a loafer ever since he lost his job, doing nothing all day.
  • They called him a loafer because he never wanted to do any chores.

Examples of usage

  • He is known as the office skiver, always finding ways to avoid doing any actual work.
  • She is such a skiver, always calling in sick when there's a big project to finish.
Context #2 | Noun

leatherworking

In leatherworking, a skiver is a tool used to thin out leather or create a beveled edge. It is typically a thin blade or knife used for this purpose.

Synonyms

leather thinning tool, skiving knife.

Examples of usage

  • The skiver is essential for creating smooth and even edges on leather projects.
  • Using a skiver allows craftsmen to achieve precision in their leatherwork.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Nuances

  • In British slang, calling someone a 'skiver' can imply they are lazily avoiding their responsibilities, reflecting a cultural value on hard work.
  • 'Skiving off' is a popular expression in the UK, particularly among school students to describe skipping class.

Social Perception

  • Interestingly, skiving can sometimes be viewed as a clever tactic to avoid burnout in workplaces that demand too much.
  • In certain contexts, people might admire a skiver for their ability to navigate around enforced monotony, though it can lead to negative consequences.

Literature and Media

  • The concept of skiving has been portrayed in various literary works, often illustrating the tension between duty and personal desire.
  • In films and TV shows, characters who skive often serve as comic relief, highlighting the absurdity of work culture.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that the tendency to skive can stem from deeper issues such as anxiety, lack of motivation, or dissatisfaction with one’s job.
  • Understanding why someone skives may reveal important insights into their mental state and broader workplace dynamics.

Origin of 'skiver'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'skiver' originates from the verb 'to skive,' which means to avoid or shirk work, dating back to the early 19th century.
  • It is believed to have roots in the Old Norse word 'skifa,' meaning 'to slip or glide,' which aligns with the idea of sneaking away.

The word 'skiver' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the verb 'skive,' meaning 'to avoid work or duty.' It has since evolved to have multiple meanings depending on the context, including in skiing and leatherworking.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,706, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.