- British slang for having very little or no money; broke.
Explanation
Origin
- Believed to have derived from the past participle skinned, as in being stripped bare of money or assets.
- Popularised in the UK, particularly as working-class slang, during the 20th century.
- It implies a temporary or sometimes chronic state of lacking funds.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Brassick (UK Cockney rhyming slang: Boracic lint -> skint)
- Stony broke (UK)
- On my uppers (UK, dated)
- Skint flint (Rhyming slang emphasis)
- Broke AF (Modern slang, vulgar abbreviation for 'as fuck')
- Broke as a joke (US)
Milder:
- Short (of cash)
- Low on funds
- Feeling the pinch
- A bit tight (for money)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Use freely with friends, family, and peers.
- Avoid in formal financial discussions, job interviews, or situations where projecting financial stability is important, unless adopting a very colloquial tone knowingly.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Speakers from regions where it's not used (especially North America) may simply not know the word. Context usually makes the meaning (lack of money) clear.
Examples
- I can't afford a holiday this year, I'm completely skint.
- Fancy the pub later? Nah, mate, I'm skint until payday.
- We were always a bit skint when I was growing up.
Dialogue
Liam: You coming to Dave's birthday meal on Saturday?
Chloe: Oh, I'd love to, but I can't. I'm absolutely skint this month.
Liam: Ah, okay, no worries. Maybe just come for a drink afterwards if you can scrape together the bus fare?
Chloe: Yeah, maybe I can manage that!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Officially skint. Surviving on instant noodles until payday. Send help (and cash). #broke #skintlife
- FB Status: Anyone selling cheap tickets for the festival? Would love to go but currently skint!
- Instagram Story Poll: What's the best cheap night in when you're skint? [Pizza & Movie] [Board Games]
Response Patterns
- Sympathy: Oh no, that's tough. / Ah, shame.
- Offer of help (if close): Need to borrow a fiver?
- Shared experience: Tell me about it, me too. / Join the club.
- Suggesting alternatives: No worries, we can just hang out at mine instead?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they're skint:
- Might ask Why, what happened? or When do you get paid?.
- Might change plans to something free or cheaper.
- Might offer a small loan if appropriate.
Conversation Starter
- No. Almost always used as an explanation or response, typically for declining something involving cost.
Intonation
- Usually stated matter-of-factly or with slight regret.
- Stress falls on SKINT.
- Sorry, can't make it, I'm SKINT.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across most generations in the UK and relevant regions. Very common term.
Regional Variations
- Primarily British English.
- Very common in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand as well.
- Not typically used in North America, where broke is the standard equivalent.