hopscotch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, neutral when referring to the game; metaphorical use is often informal/figurative.
Quick answer
What does “hopscotch” mean?
A children's game where players hop through a pattern of squares drawn on the ground, typically while pushing a small flat object like a stone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A children's game where players hop through a pattern of squares drawn on the ground, typically while pushing a small flat object like a stone.
Metaphorically, to move erratically or skip around from one thing or place to another in an unplanned manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game itself is identical and the word is used the same way. Some regional terms exist (e.g., 'Potsy' in parts of the US) but 'hopscotch' is standard in both.
Connotations
Identical connotations of childhood, play, and simple, patterned movement.
Frequency
Equally common and well-understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “hopscotch” in a Sentence
[Subject] play(s) hopscotch[Subject] hopscotch(es) [Prepositional Phrase: around/through/across]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hopscotch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The butterfly seemed to hopscotch from one lavender bush to the next.
- Our tour hopscotched around the lesser-known Greek islands.
American English
- The company hopscotched between three different office locations in two years.
- He hopscotched through the channels, never settling on one show.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically in management to criticize a lack of strategic focus: 'The project plan just hopscotches from one idea to another.'
Academic
Rare, except in studies of play, childhood development, or folklore.
Everyday
Common when referring to the children's game. Figurative verb use is understood.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hopscotch”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hopscotch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hopscotch”
- Using it as a regular transitive verb incorrectly (e.g., 'She hopscotched the stone'). The stone is an instrument, not an object.
- Confusing the spelling: 'hopscotch', not 'hopscotch' or 'hop scotch'.
- Overusing the metaphorical verb in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a noun for the game, but it is also commonly used as an intransitive verb meaning to move or travel in an erratic, skipping pattern from one place to another.
No. In this context, 'scotch' is an old term meaning to scratch, cut, or score a line. The name comes from 'hopping over scotches (lines)'.
It is very rare and informal. It might be used metaphorically to describe an unfocused strategy or a project that jumps unpredictably between tasks without a clear plan.
It has many names, including a 'puck', 'lucky', 'potsey', or most commonly, just a 'stone' or 'marker'.
A children's game where players hop through a pattern of squares drawn on the ground, typically while pushing a small flat object like a stone.
Hopscotch is usually informal, neutral when referring to the game; metaphorical use is often informal/figurative. in register.
Hopscotch: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒp.skɒtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːp.skɑːtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOP (jump) + SCOTCH (to score or cut a line). Think of hopping over the lines you've 'scotched' (marked) on the ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAME; DISORGANIZED ACTIVITY IS ERRATIC MOVEMENT (like in hopscotch).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'hopscotch' in this sentence: 'The bird hopscotched along the fence posts before flying away.'?