scarper

[ skahr-per ]

verb (used without object)

, British.

1. to flee or depart suddenly, especially without having paid one's bills.

scarper

/ ˈskɑːpə /

verb

1. to depart in haste

noun

1. a hasty departure

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarper¹

First recorded in 1845–50; originally argot, probably from Polari, ultimately from Italian scappare “to flee,” from Vulgar Latin excappāre (unattested); escape

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarper¹

C19: probably an adaptation of Italian scappare to escape; perhaps influenced by folk etymology Scapa Flow Cockney rhyming slang for go

Example Sentences

She said they had heard loud music coming from inside and saw someone in the flat approach, but then "scarper" away.

From BBC

Yet here’s this woman seemingly scarpering like the most unreliable Casanova at the first indication that she might be called on to provide elevated investment in the relationship.

From The Guardian

In some cases, fraudsters have been known to rent a shed from an unsuspecting landlord, fill it to the brim with mattresses – and scarper.

From The Guardian

Throughout our conversation, he has been charming company while also giving the impression of a runner on the starting blocks, poised to scarper the second he hears the pistol.

From The Guardian

I wanted to scarper away from the crime scene as quick as possible, but a slow queue of traffic'd built up behind a tractor, so we couldn't cross the crossroads yet.

From Literature