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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a hasty departure
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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
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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

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scarpscarph

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