“23 skidoo” is a slang term meaning quick escapism, with unknown origins. It was first recorded in 1906 and popularized in the 1920s. The term “skidoo” means “go fast” and may have originated from “skedaddle”. Theories suggest it may have originated from the Flatiron Building in New York City or a prison break in the West, but these are likely folk etymology.
The slang term “23 skidoo” refers to quick escapism, often in the sense of getting out while the getting is good. Like a surprising number of colorful and intriguing slang terms, the origins of this phrase are unknown. However, there are a number of interesting theories to explain the roots of 23 skidoo.
While this term is associated with the roaring 20s in the United States in many people’s eyes, it is actually older. The first recorded use of “23 skidoo” occurred in 1906, with the term only popularized in the 1920s. Some people have theorized that the explosion of slang in the 1920s was related to a relaxation of social norms and morals, and this may be why older slang terms like 23 skidoo came into vogue.
Skidoo itself is a slang term that means “go fast” and is a bit older than “23 skidoo”. Skidoo appears to derive from “skedaddle,” a word that emerged during the Civil War. Skedaddle’s origins are also obfuscated, adding to the mystery surrounding the rise of 23 skidoo. Skidoo has also historically been used by itself to mean “go away”.
One theory suggests that the term is a reference to the Flatiron Building, a notable New York City landmark located on 23rd Street. As visitors to the site noted today, the particular shape of the building creates unusual drafts in the area, which sometimes have amusing effects on passers-by. In the early 1900s, women wore long skirts and rarely showed their ankles, and men presumably gathered around the Flatiron to watch their skirts rise in the breeze. Police are said to have given the men the “23 skidoo” when they dispersed the groups.
Others have suggested that the term may have originated in the West, during a prison break. The prisoners agreed that the signal to flee would be a cry of “23 skidoo,” upon which they would scatter, hoping some men would escape in the ensuing confusion. Racing historians point out that on many tracks, the 23rd horse would be forced to start behind the field, because there was only room for 22 horses to race side by side, so the 23rd horse would need to skidoo to stand a chance to win. This leads to the jockeys saying “23 skidoo for you” to the hapless jockey sitting on the 23rd horse.
All of these explanations for 23 skidoo are probably, unfortunately, folk etymology, with little basis in history. The origins of this term have probably been lost to time, to the dismay of some slang historians.
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