Langimage
English

toady

|toad/y|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈtoʊ.di/

🇬🇧

/ˈtəʊ.di/

obsequious behavior

Etymology
Etymology Information

'toady' originates from the English word 'toad-eater', where 'toad' referred to a person who would eat toads to impress others.

Historical Evolution

'toad-eater' transformed into the English word 'toady', eventually becoming the modern English word 'toady'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a person who would eat toads to impress others', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a sycophant'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person who behaves obsequiously to someone important.

He was known as the manager's toady, always agreeing with her decisions.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to act in an obsequious way to gain favor.

She toadied to the boss to get a promotion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/19 18:31