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
Get the Skate mug.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 17, 2015
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skater • skateboarding • skate • skateboarder • Skateboard • skater girl • skater boi • SkaterBoy • skate poser • skaterfag
by Arnie Schiffer May 11, 2008
Get the skate mug.by The Hawk October 3, 2002
Get the skate mug.Its skateboard not rollerblade(fruit booter).
by cartman5000 July 27, 2004
Get the skate mug.to not work. doing a leisure activity during a time where regular work is supposed to be done. term commonly used in the military. can be used as skater, skated, skating.
by Wild, kid Jorge August 26, 2008
Get the skate mug.to goof off or take it easy.
by Bob L July 3, 2003
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