Skiving is a verb that means to avoid work or shirk responsibilities. The spelling of this word is not intuitive, as the "k" is typically silent in words with "sk" at the beginning. In phonetic transcription, "skiving" is pronounced /ˈskaɪvɪŋ/, with the first syllable rhyming with "eye". The "i" in "skiving" is pronounced like the "i" in "give" or "live", and the ending "-ing" is pronounced with a nasal "ng" sound. Despite its unusual spelling, "skiving" is a common term used in British English.
Skiving is a term that refers to the act of avoiding work, shirking responsibilities, or intentionally skipping out on tasks or duties. It is commonly used to describe someone who is trying to escape from doing something they are expected or required to do. Skiving often involves finding excuses, pretending to be busy with other things, or finding ways to appear unavailable or uninterested in the work at hand.
The concept of skiving is often associated with laziness and a lack of work ethic. Those who engage in skiving typically demonstrate a desire to minimize effort and avoid the laborious or challenging aspects of their responsibilities. It can be seen as an act of intentional deception, as skivers may engage in activities unrelated to their work or pretend to be engaged in productive tasks while avoiding the actual work that needs to be done.
Skiving is generally viewed negatively in work and educational contexts, as it can negatively impact productivity, hinder progress, and create a burden for others who may have to shoulder additional work as a result. Employers and educators often aim to discourage skiving behavior by establishing clear expectations, providing appropriate incentives, and implementing consequences for those who engage in such behavior.
The etymology of the word "skiving" is uncertain, as it originates from dialectal slang and its exact origins are difficult to trace. However, it is believed to have emerged in British English during the 19th century. Some theories suggest that "skiving" may have originated from the Scottish word "skeff", which means to spit or move away quickly. Alternatively, it could be derived from the word "skeeve" in Romani, meaning to flick or toss away. Over time, "skiving" has come to refer to avoiding work or responsibilities, dodging duties, or shirking one's responsibilities.