skrt

Skrt is an onomatopoeic term used in English to imitate the screech of tires during rapid acceleration or a sharp turn. In contemporary slang, skrt (also spelled skrrt, skrt, or skrrt-skrrt) functions as an interjection or a verb to indicate that someone is leaving quickly or making a dramatic exit. The word has become common in hip-hop, trap, and online meme culture since the 2010s, appearing in song lyrics, captions, and informal dialogue.

Origins and usage: Skrt derives from the audible representation of tire squeal. Its spread was aided by social media platforms and music scenes that popularized short, punchy sound-effect words. Variants include skrrt and skrt, with repeated forms for emphasis (skrrt-skrrt). As a lexical item, it can function as an interjection—“Skrt!”—or as a verb—“He skrted away.” In writing, it is used as a sound effect to convey sudden movement, swagger, or excitement, rather than as a formal term.

Cultural context: Beyond music, skrt appears in memes and captions associated with cars, drifting, or rapid action. It illustrates how onomatopoeic sound words have entered casual speech and digital communication, serving as a concise way to convey motion and attitude in informal contexts.

See also: onomatopoeia, slang, hip hop culture