'skint' originates from colloquial English, specifically the past participle use of the verb 'skin' (to strip), where 'skin' meant 'to strip or deprive (literally remove skin; figuratively strip away possessions).'

'skin' (verb) developed from older Germanic and Norse words for 'skin/hide' (e.g. Old Norse 'skinn') and the verb sense 'to remove the skin' appeared in Middle English; the past-participle form 'skint' was later used figuratively in informal British English to mean 'stripped (of money)' and became established as slang for 'penniless.'

Initially, it meant 'having the skin removed' or 'stripped'; over time it evolved metaphorically into its current informal meaning of 'penniless' or 'deprived of money.'