Word page

Toady

Toady is an unusual English word worth knowing if you enjoy odd vocabulary, strong meanings, and memorable phrasing. This guide covers the meaning of toady, its pronunciation, origin, modern usage, and example sentences in clear, search-friendly language.

At a glance

Word: Toady
Pronunciation: TOH-dee
Part of speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: A person who flatters someone important in a weak or self-serving way; also, to behave like such a person.
Tone: critical, political, contemptuous
Category: Silly Insults and Character Types
Origin: Historically linked to the phrase toad-eater, an old term for a servile performer or flatterer.
Usage level: uncommon

insultcharacter-typemocking

How to say it

Pronounced: TOH-dee
Syllables: 2
IPA: /ˈtoʊdi/
Starting letter: T

Meaning in plain English

Toady means a person who flatters someone important in a weak or self-serving way; also, to behave like such a person.

Why this word feels absurd

Toady feels absurd because a whole pattern of groveling behavior is packed into a word that sounds soft and slimy.

Origin and history

Historically linked to the phrase toad-eater, an old term for a servile performer or flatterer.

Is this word still used today?

Today toady is used in politics, offices, and commentary for shameless flattery aimed upward.

Example sentences

Nobody respected the minister’s chief toady.
He spent the meeting toadying to the new CEO.
The article mocked the host as a celebrity toady.
Toady is a sharp word for spineless flattery.

When should you use this word?

Use toady or toadying when someone flatters power in an obvious, insincere way.

Similar words

sycophant, flatterer, yes-man, lickspittle

Opposite or contrasting words

critic, independent thinker, truth-teller

Common questions

What does toady mean? Meaning Toady means a person who flatters someone important in a weak or self-serving way; also, to behave like such a person.
Is toady still used today? Usage today Today toady is used in politics, offices, and commentary for shameless flattery aimed upward.
Why does toady sound so strange? Absurdity Toady feels absurd because a whole pattern of groveling behavior is packed into a word that sounds soft and slimy.