From where do we get the saying "23 Skidoo" and what does it mean?

Brainyblonde

Many word and phrase origins are speculative and have several theories. This one is no exception. The answer is quite lengthy, but you can read about it here: http://www.word-detective.com/back-v.html Sep 07 03, 11:47 AM

McGruff

http://www.word-detective.com/back-v.html Sep 08 03, 2:26 AM

Senior Moments

One theory, which is often reported as fact, but isn't, traces the phrase to the corner of Twenty-third Street and Broadway in New York City. This is the location of the famous Flatiron Building, built in 1902 and known for the fierce updrafts its triangular shape (resembling an old-style flatiron) causes on the neighboring sidewalks. It is said that young men of the period would gather at this corner in hopes of seeing a lady's dress blown up by the wind, a practice which the local police would discourage with the gruff order "Twenty-three skiddoo!" Early films of the "dress blowing" phenomenon do, in fact, exist. You can even download one from the Library of Congress site on the Web. But "Twenty-three Skiddoo" was a popular phrase among young people as early as the 1890's, long before the Flatiron Building, which caused the wind storms in the first place, was even built. Sep 08 03, 2:28 AM