Meaning
Absence from school or work; truancy.
Etymology
Origin: Dutch
First attested in 1848 in New York City. Most likely from Dutch hoekje (“nook, corner; 'spot to hide' in hide-and-seek”). Formerly, "hoekje spelen" could be used to mean "to play hide-and-seek", though the common term for the game nowadays is verstoppertje. By surface analysis, hook + -y.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles: