"23 skiddoo,"

[Fred Shapiro]

If you believe, as I do, that etymological explanations contained in the
earliest known attestation should carry a lot of weight, then "23" in
conjunction with "skidoo" seems to refer to the fact that ferries left
from 23rd Street.  See the 1906 citation in the OED.  But perhaps Barry
has earlier evidence.

Fred Shapiro


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Fred R. Shapiro                             Editor
Associate Librarian for Public Services     YALE DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS
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