This is Westcountry slang dating back to before the First World War. Skates are very slippery fish and the name was applied to people who had slippery natures in that they were untrustworthy, would try to avoid giving information or were just not very likeable. The use of the name expanded to include people who were wheeler dealers or people who do a lot of ducking and diving but no actual work. The name is disparaging but at the same time may hold just a hint of reluctant admiration. It is, however, a warning as a skate has no conscience and is totally unscrupulous and untrustworthy. The term is believed to have been used extensively by the British armed forces and was used to describe someone who was a slippery customer, fishy and who avoided their share of the work.
by AKACroatalin April 19, 2015
A military term for, dicking around and avoiding working in your shop. Most of the time you are supposed to skate around away from your supervisors and to other shops or the bathroom. Max skate time would be around 15 min.
Hey where's smith at?
I think he's skating in the smoke pit again.
Well if he's going to skate he better have a fucking clipboard
I think he's skating in the smoke pit again.
Well if he's going to skate he better have a fucking clipboard
by LostinOregon June 14, 2015
Originates from Naval sailors of Portsmouth in England getting lonely while at sea. These sick individuals would get a skate fish, slit it in half and nail it to a board. This would then be used to provide sexual pleasure.
Hence people from Portsmouth are known as Skates.
Hence people from Portsmouth are known as Skates.
by Oliver Cuntwell August 12, 2006
by Benjamin Collis February 26, 2005
Verb: To 'Skate' is to ship the pairing of Sawyer played by Josh Holloway and Kate played by Evangeline Lilly on the ABC show Lost. Skating is the only way to go. To engage in hot sexual intercourse in cages.
Noun: The hottest ship on earth.
Noun: The hottest ship on earth.
Whoa, I'm glad to be Skating after the hot cage sex
Skate need to separate and both enhance my well being
I watched Skate like a cat on heat
Skate need to separate and both enhance my well being
I watched Skate like a cat on heat
by ErnielovesBert November 21, 2006
A word originally summed up from SLC Utah, it means to wank, make love, swap juices, get down, get lucky, do the dirty deed, get laid, ride the boloney pony, do the nasty, shacking up, shafting, shagging, boinking, or boning.,
Xavier; Oh my god I am so horny let's skate!
Thing; Oh my god, yes!!
Xavier; What the fuck is that!!? You aint a girl!
Thing; Oh my god, yes!!
Xavier; What the fuck is that!!? You aint a girl!
by 8-oh-1 July 10, 2011
Skate is an abusive term originating from Portsmouth's civilian population, a dismissive one aimed at Royal Navy sailors based in the city, People from Portsmouth have been calling Sailors Skates since the mid 19th century.
A Pompey Fan would say "I hate those Skates taking over Spice island, Skates are not welcome in Portsmouth"
by Paul Foxton September 6, 2021
