kodok: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (C1)neutral
Quick answer
What does “kodok” mean?
A small to medium-sized amphibian, typically having a stout body and long hind legs for leaping.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small to medium-sized amphibian, typically having a stout body and long hind legs for leaping; frog.
The term can refer to the animal itself, its croaking sound, or metaphorically to something that resembles a frog in appearance, movement, or sound. In some contexts, it refers to a tool (frog) used in masonry or a holder for flower arranging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word 'frog' is standard in both. UK English may use more specific terms like 'common frog' (Rana temporaria). US English might use 'frog' more generically for both frogs and toads in informal contexts.
Connotations
Both: neutral for the animal. Slang: UK 'frog' can be a derogatory term for a French person. US: 'frog' can be slang for a hoarseness in the throat ('a frog in one's throat').
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties for the animal. Slang uses differ in frequency and acceptability.
Grammar
How to Use “kodok” in a Sentence
[Subject] + croak/like + a frog[Subject] + jump/leap + like a frogThere is/are + frog(s) + in/on + [Location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “kodok” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The car frogged along the muddy track.
- He was frogged by the security guards.
American English
- They frog-marched the suspect out.
- She frogged the yarn in her knitting.
adjective
British English
- The frog-like creature startled her.
- A frog march is an undignified procedure.
American English
- She made a frog costume.
- He had a frog voice from the cold.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in biological and ecological contexts (e.g., 'The frog population serves as a bio-indicator').
Everyday
Common in nature descriptions, children's stories, and food contexts (frog legs).
Technical
In zoology (order Anura); in engineering, a 'frog' is part of a railway switch/turnout.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “kodok”
- Using 'frog' for 'toad' in scientific contexts.
- Incorrect plural: 'froges' (correct: 'frogs').
- Mispronunciation: /frɔːg/ instead of /frɒɡ/ or /frɑːɡ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different types of amphibians. Frogs typically have smooth, moist skin and long legs for leaping, and live near water. Toads have drier, warty skin and shorter legs, and often live in drier habitats. However, in casual conversation, 'frog' is sometimes used loosely for both.
It is a derogatory ethnic slur with uncertain origins, possibly from the consumption of frog legs as a French stereotype or from the heraldic use of the fleur-de-lis (resembling a frog). Its use is considered offensive.
In railway engineering, a 'frog' is the part of a railroad switch (or points) where the inner rails cross, allowing wheels to move from one track to another.
'Frog' is the animal. 'To frogmarch' is a verb meaning to force someone to walk forward by holding their arms from behind in a tight grip, often used by police or security.
A small to medium-sized amphibian, typically having a stout body and long hind legs for leaping.
Kodok is usually neutral in register.
Kodok: in British English it is pronounced /frɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /frɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a frog in one's throat”
- “frogmarch”
- “have a frog in one's pocket”
- “frog in a well”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FROG: Fast Ribbiting Outdoor Green-jumper.
Conceptual Metaphor
Metamorphosis/Transformation (tadpole to frog); Something that jumps suddenly; A prince in disguise.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'a frog in one's throat' mean?