What does 'pike out' mean?

In Australia and New Zealand, the slang term "pike out" has a few different meanings, depending on the context:

1. To back out or cancel at the last minute: This is the most common meaning of "pike out," and it can be used for anything from cancelling plans with friends to pulling out of a competition.

For example, you might say:

• "I was really looking forward to going to the party, but I had to pike out because I wasn't feeling well."
• "He piked out of the race just before the finish line."

2. To avoid something or someone: This meaning is similar to "to dodge" or "to shirk."

For example, you might say:

• "I tried to talk to her, but she just piked out of the conversation."
• "He's always piking out of work when there's something difficult to do."

3. To die: This is a more morbid meaning of "pike out," but it is still sometimes used.

For example, you might say:

• "My old dog finally piked out last week."
• "He was in a bad accident, and they don't think he's going to make it. He's on the verge of piking out."

The origin of the term "pike out" is unknown, but it is thought to have come from the verb "to pike," which means "to run away" or "to disappear."

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about "pike out":

• It is a relatively informal term and should not be used in formal settings.
• It can be used as a verb or a noun.
• It is often used with the adverb "completely" for emphasis, as in "He completely piked out on me."

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.