23 Skidoo Street: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘23 Skidoo Street’ mean?
The idiom "23 Skidoo Street" means to leave quickly or be forced to leave due to an unfavorable situation. It originated in the early 20th century in New York City, where police officers would tell loiterers to move from 23rd Street, causing them to scatter in different directions.
Idiom Explorer
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It is an informal expression often used in casual conversations to express strong negative emotions.
The Unrevealed Origins
The idiom "23 skidoo Street" is a phrase that has captured cultural fascination in the United States. This American slang phrase emerged in the early 20th century and is believed to have derived from the word "skedaddle," which means to leave quickly or hurriedly.
During the early 1900s in New York City, "23 Skidoo Street" became popular as a playful and light-hearted way to tell someone to move along or leave. It was often directed at men who were being too forward or harassing women in public spaces like street corners. The implication was for them to "skidoo," or leave swiftly, from the area.
This idiom's association with the idea of jazz culture and the Roaring Twenties adds to its allure. It represents a specific moment in American history when flappers, jazz music, and increased socialization were prevailing. "23 Skidoo Street" became intertwined with the vibrant energy and excitement of the era, along with a sense of flirtation.
Although the exact origins of "23 Skidoo Street" remain elusive, it is a fascinating relic of a bygone era. As cultural contexts changed and new idioms emerged, the phrase gradually faded from common usage. Nonetheless, its impact on language and cultural expression during that time cannot be denied.
Another idiom related to "23 Skidoo Street" is "23 skidoo," which carries a similar meaning of urging someone to move along or leave. This idiom also originated in the early 20th century and was used to dismiss or shoo away people. Its exact origins and why "23" was chosen remain uncertain, but it gained popularity in the same cultural context as "23 Skidoo Street."
In addition to "23 skidoo," there is the idiom "get out of Dodge," which shares some similarities to "23 Skidoo Street." This phrase, which refers to leaving a situation quickly, derives from the American television series "Gunsmoke." In the show, the character Marshal Matt Dillon often told people to "get out of Dodge" as a way of warning them to leave town to avoid trouble. Over time, the idiom took on a broader meaning and became a way of telling someone to leave promptly.
The connection between these idioms lies in their shared roots in American slang and their usage as a means of urging someone to leave or move swiftly. While "23 Skidoo Street" is associated with the lively jazz culture of the Roaring Twenties, "23 skidoo" and "get out of Dodge" have their own unique origins but serve similar purposes.
Language is ever-evolving, and idiomatic expressions are one way in which societal attitudes and norms are reflected and shaped. The idioms "23 skidoo," "get out of Dodge," and "23 Skidoo Street" all highlight the dynamic nature of language and how it evolves over time. Despite fading from common usage, these idioms serve as reminders of different eras and the cultural contexts in which they were born.
Example usage
Examples:
1. The robbers were caught red-handed while trying to break into 23 Skidoo Street.
2. The new restaurant on 23 Skidoo Street is getting rave reviews for its delicious food.
3. The kids always play basketball in the neighborhood park on 23 Skidoo Street.
More "Colloquial" idioms
