hooky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hooky" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of skipping school or work without permission, often for fun or leisure. Example: "He decided to play hooky from school and spend the day at the beach instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And if perusing that lineup you're wondering whether Churches adhere in any way to the label's "sound" and their seeming penchant for high female vocals, shrill synths and hooky melodies, wonder no more.

The Guardian - Music

There's also Chvrches' echoing anthems, Savages' wiry post-punk, and a full slate of bleepy, hooky art-pop.

The Guardian - Music

Last week, when she failed to turn up at Westminster in time for a key vote on health-service reform and then played hooky from cabinet the next day, she appeared to be signalling that she had had enough.

The Economist

There's a forbidden pleasure and complicity in the reading; it's a bit like playing hooky from work just to go window shopping.Ms Brubach's book, by contrast, brings a much higher, more academic tone to its subject, for Ms Brubach has a mission: to her, fashion is "an eloquent and delightful means of expression, and I resolved to persuade the world (especially men) of its validity".

The Economist

Evans was told by a senior member of the now-shuttered tabloid "It goes without saying – no more hooky stuff".

Independent

Del and Rodney are probably still knocking out hooky gear from Nelson Mandela House.

Independent

The gig was a typical Pistols performance with inconsistent playing compensated for by attitude and hooky punk tunes.

Independent

Boldy James Chirps The Detroit rapper (pictured) returns with a hooky new sound.

Independent

Tavarez became a dedicated student; Ramirez played hooky.

The New Yorker

Faced with suspension, Antoine spends the next day playing hooky at the movies with his best friend, René (Patrick Auffay), and a spiral of lies and their consequences cause him to run away from home.

The New Yorker

A TV crew was setting up so I the ate sandwich quickly and then texted Derek who brought the whole gang: Derek, Danny, Simon (playing hooky from work!), Meg, Lauren, and good sport Maureen, plus five or six new people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hooky" to describe music, ensure the melody is indeed catchy and memorable. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "hooky" in formal documents. Opt for "truancy" or "unauthorized absence" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "hooky" functions primarily as a noun referring to absence from school or work, and as an adjective describing something full of hooks or shaped like one. Ludwig AI confirms its valid use in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hooky" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote unauthorized absence from school or work, and as an adjective describing something containing hooks or possessing a catchy musical quality. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the term is generally informal to neutral, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "truancy" in professional settings. Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate usage. Ludwig's examples showcase the breadth of its application, reinforcing its place in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truancy

A more formal synonym for absence from school.

playing truant

Describes the act of skipping school without permission.

skipping school

A common way to refer to not attending school.

absenteeism

Refers to frequent absence from work or school.

dodging work

Describes avoiding work responsibilities.

evading duties

Suggests avoiding assigned responsibilities.

full of hooks

Describes something covered in hooks.

hook-like

Something shaped like a hook.

shaped like a crook

Emphasis on the bent or curved shape similar to a hook.

curved

A general term for something that is bent or not straight.

FAQs

How can I use "hooky" in a sentence?

You can use "hooky" to describe skipping school or work. For example, "They decided to play hooky and go to the beach" or "The song has a hooky melody that sticks in your head".

What's a more formal alternative to "playing hooky"?

A more formal alternative to "playing hooky" is "truancy", which is often used in official reports or academic discussions.

Is "hooky" only used to describe skipping school?

No, "hooky" can also describe something full of hooks or shaped like a hook. Additionally, it can refer to a catchy or memorable quality, particularly in music. For example, the song has a "catchy melody".

What's the difference between "hooky" and "absenteeism"?

"Hooky" usually refers to a single instance of skipping school or work, whereas "absenteeism" describes a pattern of frequent absences.