Dice
 
 
 
 
 
synonyms: toad, frog
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We call 'em 'hoptoads' in our family, and it's a common thing around here. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We call 'em 'hoptoads' in our family, and it's a common thing around here. 

Pronunciation

[HOP-tohd] /ˈhɒp.toʊd/

Meaning & Usage

- Toad (dialect word)

Mae:
Watch out for that hoptoad by the steps.
Earl:
He’s harmless - just sittin’ there.

- In Stories and Nicknames

Hazel:
They called him Hoptoad because he was quick and squat.
Ruby:
Never could beat him at tag.
variations: hop toad, hop-toad
★ "Hoptoad" is one of those old rural words that’s fallen out of everyday speech in many places but still appears in Southern/Appalachian folklore, children’s rhymes, and ghost stories. ★

Origin and Etymology

From older English "hop" + "toad." Found in British dialects and brought to the American South and Appalachia by settlers. It has appeared in regional folklore, ghost stories, and children’s rhymes for over a century.

Usage Notes

Still heard occasionally in rural Southern and Appalachian communities. Variants include "hop toad" and "hop-toad." Appears in folk tales, place names, and older cookbooks or columns.
  • Hoptoad - standard spelling in dialect glossaries
  • Hop toad - common spoken form
  • Hop-toad - appears in older literature and place names

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: often "hop toad" or "hop-toad" depending on family tradition.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does "hoptoad" mean a special kind of toad?
No - it’s a dialect word for any ordinary toad.
Is "hoptoad" still used today?
Occasionally - especially in rural communities, folk stories, and among older speakers.
Where does it come from?
It’s a compound of "hop" and "toad," brought over from older English dialects and preserved in Southern/Appalachian speech.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 24). Hoptoad. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hoptoad
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Hoptoad." HillbillySlang.com, 24 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hoptoad.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Hoptoad." HillbillySlang.com. September 24, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hoptoad.
advertisement...
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Words
About
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home