1815. Scott, Guy Mannering, xxxii. But if he really shot young Hazlewood—But I canna think it, Mr. Glossin; this will be some o' yonr skits* now—I conna think it o' sae douce a lad;—na, na, this is just some o' your auld skits—ye'll be for having a horning or a caption after him. [*Tricks.]
1884. Graphic, 20 Sept., 299, 1. When will be produced the new Gilbert-Sullivan opera, which is reported to be a skit on "Thought-reading."
1885. D. News, 28 Sep. Of these many are skits at the expense of that unfailing object of Thackeray's love of banter.
2. subs. (old).—A wanton: see Tart.
1583. Howard, Def. agst. Superst. Prophesies. [Herod] at the request of a dancing skit stroke off the head of St. John the Baptist.
Skitter-brain (or -wit), subs.
(common).—A flighty person.
Also Skitterbrained, &c.
Skitting-dealer, subs. phr. (Old
Cant).—A sham dumby.
Skittles, intj. (common).—Nonsense!
Other Colloquialisms are—All beer and skittles = Everything easy or to one's liking; all up, as skittles when down = a difficulty, something to tackle or do again.
1864. Orchestra, 12 Nov., 106. 'To Correspondents.' Se faire applaudir is not "to make onesself applauded," and "joyous comedian" is simply skittles.
1886. Kipling, Departmental Ditties, 'Padgate, M.P.' 'Where is your heat?' said he. 'Coming,' said I to Padgate. 'Skittles!' said Padgate, M.P.
1889. Lic. Vict. Gaz., 8 Feb. Plunging was not all beer and skittles, as the Viscount had playfully and elegantly observed when a special pot had boiled over.
1890. Pall Mall Gaz., 4 Nov., 3, 1. It would present a useful object lesson to those who think that the artist's life is all BEER AND SKITTLES.
1900. Boothby, Maker of Nations, v. Skittles it would have been and of the most desperate description. . . . I can tell you I was just about played out.
Skiv (or Sciv), subs. (common).—A
sovereign; 20/-: see Rhino.
1870. London Figaro, 19 Dec. 'A Swell on Stalls.' I am anxious to pay more; indeed, what do I want with change? Assure you I should much prefer to pay half-a-skiv, or even a "sov." for my seat.
1887. Payn, Glow Worm Tales, 246. Please to send me the skiv by return, for I sadly want some comfort.
Skowbanker, subs. (Australian).—A
loafer; a hanger-on: also
SHOWBANKER.
Skower. See Scoure.
Skrimp (or Skrump), verb. (provincial).—To
steal apples.
Skrimshanker, subs. (military).—See
Scrimshanker and add
quots. infra.
1890. Tit-Bits,. 26 Ap., 35, 1. Of course, besides the dread of being considered a skrimshanker, a soldier dislikes the necessary restraints of a hospital.
1893. Kipling, Many Inventions, 'His Private Honour.' If Mulvaney stops scrimshankin'—gets out o' . . . 'orspital . . . I lay your lives will be trouble to you.
Skrunt, subs. (Scots').—A prostitute:
see Tart.
Skue, subs. (old).—See quot.
1598. Florio, A Worlde of Wordes, Codurza, the rump or skue of a bird.
Skug. See Scug.
Skulker, subs. (Grose)—'A soldier
who . . . evades his duty;
a sailor who keeps below in time
of danger; one who keeps out of
the way when work is to be done.
To skulk, to hide oneself; to
avoid labour or duty.'
