バックレる

ばっくれる
verb (godan)
to skip out, ditch, bail on
1. to skip out on, ditch, bail on
To fail to show up for or abandon an obligation, often without notice or explanation.
バイトをバックレた。
I skipped out on my part-time job.
授業(じゅぎょう)をバックレて(あそ)びに()った。
I ditched class and went to hang out.
約束(やくそく)をバックレるなよ。
Don't bail on our plans.
()(かい)をバックレたら(おこ)られた。
I got scolded for ditching the drinking party.
2. to play dumb, feign ignorance
To pretend not to know about something, especially to avoid responsibility.
()いてもバックレるつもりか。
Are you going to play dumb even when I ask you?
()らないふりしてバックレようとするな。
Don't try to feign ignorance.

バックレる is youth slang derived from (しら)()る (to play innocent) or バックれる (from "back" + verb ending). It's conjugated as a godan verb: バックレる、バックレない、バックレた.

This word has a negative connotation and implies irresponsibility. It's very casual and should not be used in formal situations.

Common collocations:

  • バイトをバックレる: skip out on a part-time job
  • 授業(じゅぎょう)をバックレる: ditch class
  • 約束(やくそく)をバックレる: bail on plans