What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skiver
Example
He's always trying to skive off work by pretending to be sick. [skive: verb]
Example
She's such a skiver, always calling in sick when she doesn't feel like working. [skiver: noun]
shirker
Example
He's a shirker who never does his fair share of the work. [shirker: noun]
Example
Don't be a shirker, take responsibility for your actions. [shirker: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shirker is more commonly used than skiver in everyday language. Shirker is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while skiver is less common and may be more specific to certain situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between skiver and shirker?
Both skiver and shirker are informal terms that are typically used in casual conversation or informal writing. Neither word is appropriate for formal or professional contexts.
