toady etymology

Etymology

The word "toady" comes from the Middle English word "tod," meaning "a toad." This word is related to the Old English word "tade," which also means "toad." It is thought that the word "toady" was originally used to describe a person who was as unpleasant or disgusting as a toad.

Meaning

A toady is a person who tries to win favor from someone by flattering or praising them excessively. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as agreeing with everything the other person says, praising their work, or giving them gifts.

Origin

The word "toady" was first used in the 16th century. It is thought to have originated in the theater, where it was used to describe an actor who played a flattering role. Over time, the word came to be used to describe anyone who was excessively sycophantic.

Examples

• The toady always agrees with the boss, even when he knows the boss is wrong.
• The toady is always giving gifts to the teacher, hoping to get a good grade.
• The toady is always praising the celebrity, hoping to get a photo with them.

toady relate terms

• beef eater

  Etymology The term beef eater is a corruption of the French phrase buffetier meanin

• beef

  Etymology The word beef is derived from the Old French word boeuf which itself comes

• eater

  Etymology Origin Middle English etere from Old French eitrer to irritate derived

• toad

  Etymology The word toad is derived from the Old English word tade which in turn is

• toady

  Etymology The word toady comes from the Middle English word tod meaning a toad Th

• toadstone

  Etymology The word toadstone is derived from the Old English words tade toad and

• toadstool

  Etymology The word toadstool is a combination of two Old English words toad an amp

• fawn

  Etymology The word fawn originates from the Old English word fægen which meant gl

• truckle

  Etymology The word truckle is derived from the Middle English word trokel which itse

• sycophant

  Etymology The word sycophant comes from the Ancient Greek word συκοφάντης

• blandish

  Etymology Middle English blandisen from Old French blandir from Late Latin blandī

• flatter

  Etymology The word flatter comes from the Old French word flater which itself derive

• slang

  Etymology of Slang Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of slangwhanger a

• hilarity

  Etymology The word hilarity comes from the Latin word hilaris meaning cheerful or

• predicament

  Etymology Late Middle English from Old French prédicament from Late Latin praedicame

• disdain

  Etymology The word disdain comes from the Old French word desdaignier meaning to

• schedule

  Etymology Old French eschedual Latin schedula Greek schedē a writing tablet Mea