throw a sickie
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To take a day off from work for ill health (either real or feigned).
Register: slang
Examples
Hogie said, “Listen, I′m throwing a sickie. I don′t need to be there until opening day tomorrow. The staff don′t arrive till then anyway so as long as I'm in early I can′t see a problem.”
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “throw a sickie” mean?
To take a day off from work for ill health (either real or feigned).
Is “throw a sickie” formal or informal?
throw a sickie is generally slang.