crawdad / crawdaddy

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "crawdad" is the common word for a crayfish - the small, lobster-like crustacean living in streams and creeks. It’s a staple of rural childhood and creek play.

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synonyms: crayfish, crawfish

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't know they were called anything other than 'crawdads' and 'crawdaddies' until the moment I wrote this!

Pronunciation

[KRAW-dad]

Meaning & Usage

- Small freshwater crustacean (crayfish) (noun)

Mae:

What y’all catching?

Earl:

Just a mess of crawdads for the bucket.

variations: crawdaddy

★ "Crawdad" is the go-to word in Appalachia and much of the South, while "crayfish" dominates the Northeast and "crawfish" the Gulf Coast. It’s one of the clearest regional differences in American English. ★

Origin

Derived from "crayfish" (Middle English "crevis") through folk alteration. Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English as chiefly South, South Midland, and West. Celebrated in folk songs like "Crawdad Song."

Notes

Still widely used in the South and Appalachia. Outside the region it’s recognized but less common, seen as rural or nostalgic. The word often evokes childhood memories of creeks, nets, and summer days.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain: "craw-dad." The "dad" is quick and soft, often pluralized as "crawdads."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is a crawdad the same as a crayfish?

Yes - just a different regional name.

Do people still use "crawdad" today?

Yes - especially in Southern and Appalachian regions.

Where else is "crawdad" used?

Parts of the Midwest and West, but it’s most strongly associated with the South.

Is "crawdad" the same as "crawfish"?

They’re the same animal; "crawfish" is more common in Louisiana and seafood contexts.