hopi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, sometimes humorous or childish in literal use; technical in computing/networking contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hopi” mean?
To move by making short leaps on one foot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move by making short leaps on one foot.
To move or act quickly or in a lively, skipping manner; to travel by a series of short journeys or quick movements; (computing) to move between nodes or channels.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The verb is used similarly in both varieties. The noun form 'hop' is more common than 'hopi' in both.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in a playful or childish context in British English. In American English, 'hop' (the base form) is dominant in all registers.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency as 'hopi'; the base form 'hop' is common. 'Hopi' is almost exclusively found in the continuous form 'hopping' or in technical jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “hopi” in a Sentence
SUBJ + hopi + (PREP + NP) (e.g., He was hopping about the room.)SUBJ + hopi + ADV (e.g., The bird hopped away.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hopi” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The child was happily hopping along the pavement.
- Stop hopping about and stand still!
American English
- The rabbit hopped across the lawn.
- We spent the evening bar hopping downtown.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as a standard adverb; 'hoppingly' is non-standard)
- N/A
American English
- (Not used as a standard adverb; 'hoppingly' is non-standard)
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He had a strange, hopping gait.
- (Rare, typically 'hopping' is present participle)
American English
- The hopping movement of the sparrow was quick.
- (Rare, typically 'hopping' is present participle)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal phrases like 'hopping between meetings'.
Academic
Virtually never used in this form.
Everyday
Used informally, often by or to children, or humorously for adults (e.g., 'I had to hopi over the puddle').
Technical
Used in computing/telecoms (e.g., 'frequency hopping', 'packet hopping routers').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hopi”
- Using 'hopi' as a noun (use 'hop').
- Misspelling as 'hoppy'.
- Using in formal writing where 'jump' or 'move quickly' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Hopi' as a standalone word is extremely rare and non-standard. The standard verb is 'hop'. 'Hopi' appears mainly in the continuous form 'hopping' or in technical compounds.
'Hop' typically implies a short leap, often on one foot. 'Jump' is a more general term for propelling oneself off the ground. 'Skip' is a light, bouncing step, often with a hop on one foot between steps.
No. The base verb 'hop' can be used if appropriate, but 'hopi' is not a standard form and should be avoided in formal contexts. Use more precise verbs like 'leap', 'move quickly', or 'alternate'.
The IPA is provided for the hypothetical or derived pronunciation if one were to use this form, based on the standard pronunciation rules for the root word 'hop' plus the '-i' suffix, which is often pronounced as /i/.
To move by making short leaps on one foot.
Hopi: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒp.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑː.pi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hop, skip, and a jump (very close)”
- “Hopping mad (very angry)”
- “Pub crawl/Bar hopping (visiting multiple bars)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A HOPIng kangaroo needs just one foot – picture the 'i' as its foot touching down.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / MOVEMENT IS PROGRESS ('hopping from job to job'). LACK OF SERIOUSNESS IS UNSTEADY MOVEMENT ('he just hops from one idea to another').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hopping' most likely to be used technically?