skivvy Definition
a female domestic servant who does menial work such as cleaning, washing, and cooking.
Using skivvy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "skivvy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She worked as a skivvy in a wealthy household.
Example
The skivvy was responsible for cleaning the entire house.
Example
The family treated their skivvy poorly, paying her very little and giving her no time off.
skivvy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for skivvy
- maid
- housekeeper
- cleaner
- domestic worker
Phrases with skivvy
Example
She had to be a skivvy for several years before she could find a better job.
skivvy's work
menial and unpleasant work, especially domestic chores
Example
Cleaning the toilets is definitely skivvy's work.
Example
He wore a skivvy shirt and jeans to work every day.
Origins of skivvy
originally a naval term for a junior male sailor's work clothes, from 'skiffle', meaning 'to run up and down' or 'to bustle about'
Summary: skivvy in Brief
The term 'skivvy' [ˈskɪvi] refers to a female domestic servant who performs menial tasks such as cleaning, washing, and cooking. It is often used to describe unpleasant or low-paying jobs, as in 'She worked as a skivvy in a wealthy household.' 'Skivvy' originated as a naval term for a junior male sailor's work clothes.