scrimshank

English

Etymology

Unclear. One hypothesis is that it derives from (the noun scrimshanker, from) scrimp + swanker (old military slang for someone who works hard).[1]

Pronunciation

Audio (AU) (file)

Verb

scrimshank (third-person singular simple present scrimshanks, present participle scrimshanking, simple past and past participle scrimshanked)

(UK, military, slang) To shirk duty.

Derived terms

scrimshanker

References

Albert Barrère, A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant, volume II (L to Z) (original 1897, reprinted 2018, Read Books Ltd, →ISBN); see entries for "Scrimshanker (army)" and "Swanker (public and military schools), one who works hard."

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[1] Albert Barrère, A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant, volume II (L to Z) (original 1897, reprinted 2018, Read Books Ltd, →ISBN); see entries for "Scrimshanker (army)" and "Swanker (public and military schools), one who works hard."