What is hooky?

The term "hooky" is often used informally to refer to the act of skipping school or work without permission. People, especially students, might play hooky for a variety of reasons, including the desire for leisure, to avoid a test or deadline, or simply due to a lack of motivation. It's generally considered a form of truancy and can have consequences depending on the policies of the school or workplace.

The origins of the term "hooky" are uncertain, but it has been a part of American slang since at least the late 19th century. Playing hooky is often depicted in popular culture and literature as a mischievous or rebellious activity, sometimes associated with childhood or adolescence.

In many educational systems, there are specific policies to address absenteeism and truancy, with measures that range from parental notifications to more serious consequences like detention, suspension, or involvement of legal authorities.