- British slang meaning having very little or absolutely no money; broke.
Explanation
Origin
- Uncertain origin, emerging in British English around the mid-20th century.
- Theories include derivation from skinned (as in stripped bare of money) or links to Scandinavian words like Danish skinn (hide) or Old Norse skinn (skin), possibly via a sense of being 'scraped clean'.
- Another possibility relates it to boracic lint (a type of medical dressing), which became Cockney rhyming slang for skint. Someone might say they are boracic.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (General):
- Broke as a joke
- Flat broke
- On my uppers (Older slang)
- Not got two pennies/ha'pennies to rub together (UK)
- Feeling the pinch
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fucking skint (UK)
- Got fuck all (UK/Aus slang for having nothing, including money)
- Poor as shit
Milder/Standard (Non-UK focus):
- Broke
- Short on cash / Low on funds
- I can't afford it.
- Financially strapped
Situational Appropriateness
- Very informal slang.
- Primarily used in the UK and some Commonwealth countries (Aus, NZ).
- Avoid in formal situations or with people unfamiliar with British slang.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Likely completely unknown to non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with British slang. Needs explanation as simply meaning 'broke'.
Examples
- Can't afford the cinema tonight, mate, I'm absolutely skint.
- I get paid next Friday, but I'm a bit skint until then.
Dialogue
A: Are you coming to the pub later for Dave's birthday?
B: Nah, wish I could, but I'm completely skint this month. Just paid the rent. Tell him happy birthday from me!
A: Will do, mate. Shame you can't make it.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet (UK): Is it payday yet? Asking for a friend (me, I'm skint). 😂 #BrokeLife #UKProblems
- Facebook Post (UK): Anyone selling cheap festival tickets? I'm skint but desperate to go! #Festival #Budget
- WhatsApp message: Can't make dinner soz, totally skint atm :(
Response Patterns
- Understanding/Sympathy: Ah, fair enough. / No worries. / Oh dear, alright.
- Shared experience: Tell me about it, I'm skint too. / Been there!
- Offering alternatives: Okay, maybe just hang out at mine instead?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Accepting the reason for not participating in an activity.
- Changing plans to accommodate the lack of funds.
- Sometimes, among close friends, offering to pay or lend a small amount (less common).
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Typically used as an explanation or reason for not being able to spend money.
Intonation
- Usually said casually, matter-of-factly, or with mild regret.
- Stress on SKINT. proper SKINT.
Generation Differences
- Common across generations in the UK, though perhaps slightly more associated with working-class speech and younger demographics. Universally understood within the UK.
Regional Variations
- Predominantly British English.
- Americans and Canadians would typically use broke or busted.