noun
toady
TOH-dee
Toady (noun) means someone who flatters and fawns over others, especially those in power, to gain favor. Example: “The manager surrounded himself with toadies who never questioned his decisions.”
noun
1
Someone who flatters and fawns over others, especially those in power, to gain favor.
"The manager surrounded himself with toadies who never questioned his decisions."
verb
1
To act in a servile, flattering way toward someone.
"He toadied to the board members whenever they visited."
How to use toady
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA yes-man; someone who sucks up to people in authority for personal gain.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "toad" itself — a toady is a person who flatters, not the amphibian.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- toadies
- Third person singular
- toadies
- Past tense
- toadied
- Comparative
- more toady
- Superlative
- most toady
Etymology
A shortened form of "toad-eater" — originally a quack doctor's assistant who pretended to eat toads (thought poisonous) so the doctor could "cure" them, hence a servile helper.
Related words
Rhymes for toady
See all rhymes for toady →Frequently asked questions
What does “toady” mean?
The word “toady” means someone who flatters and fawns over others, especially those in power, to gain favor. In plain terms, a yes-man; someone who sucks up to people in authority for personal gain.
How do you pronounce “toady”?
“Toady” is pronounced TOH-dee (/ˈtoʊ.di/ in IPA).
How do you use “toady” in a sentence?
Here is “toady” used in a sentence: “The manager surrounded himself with toadies who never questioned his decisions.”
What part of speech is “toady”?
Depending on how it is used, “toady” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “toady” have?
“Toady” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who flatters and fawns over others, especially those in power, to gain favor.
