toddy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, slightly old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “toddy” mean?
A warm alcoholic drink made with spirits (especially whisky), hot water, sugar, and often spices like cloves or cinnamon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A warm alcoholic drink made with spirits (especially whisky), hot water, sugar, and often spices like cloves or cinnamon.
1) The fermented sap of certain palm trees, especially the coconut or palmyra, consumed as a beverage (often alcoholic) in tropical regions. 2) Informally, any warm, sweetened, and spiced alcoholic drink served as a comforting beverage, especially in cold weather.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'toddy' is most commonly associated with the warm, medicinal/alcoholic drink. In American English, this association is also present, but the term is slightly more likely to be recognized in historical contexts or by older generations.
Connotations
UK: Slightly archaic, comforting, associated with home remedies for colds. US: Similar connotations, but perhaps more evocative of colonial-era or frontier life.
Frequency
The word is uncommon in daily speech in both varieties. Its usage peaks in winter, in literature, and in historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “toddy” in a Sentence
have a [toddy]make [someone] a [toddy]drink a [toddy]sip a [hot toddy]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toddy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We could toddy up with some whisky and lemon.
- He's in the kitchen toddying a remedy for her cold.
American English
- Let's toddy up this bourbon for a cold night.
- She toddyed the rum with honey and spices.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in historical, anthropological, or culinary studies discussing traditional beverages.
Everyday
Used informally, mainly in the phrase 'hot toddy' during cold weather or when someone has a minor cold.
Technical
In botany/agriculture, refers to the process of tapping palm trees for sap ('toddy tapping').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toddy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toddy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toddy”
- Confusing 'toddy' with 'tod' (archaic for 'fox') or 'toddle' (to walk unsteadily).
- Using it to refer to any cocktail.
- Misspelling as 'tody' or 'toddie'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, no. A classic hot toddy contains spirits (whisky, rum, brandy). Non-alcoholic versions exist but are often specified as 'non-alcoholic toddies' or 'mock toddies'.
It comes from the Hindi 'tārī', referring to the sap of the palmyra palm, which was fermented into an alcoholic drink. British colonists adopted the term in India and later applied it to their own warm, spiced alcoholic drinks.
Yes, but only in its original sense of palm wine, which can be consumed fresh (sweet and non-alcoholic) or fermented (alcoholic and often not served hot). The 'hot toddy' is always served warm.
While it may provide temporary relief for symptoms like a sore throat and help with relaxation, it is not a medical cure. The alcohol can cause dehydration, which is counterproductive when ill.
A warm alcoholic drink made with spirits (especially whisky), hot water, sugar, and often spices like cloves or cinnamon.
Toddy is usually informal, slightly old-fashioned in register.
Toddy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒdi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːdi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[As] soothing as a hot toddy.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TODDLER feeling poorly, being given a warm 'toddy' to soothe them. (Note: This is purely a mnemonic, not a recommendation!)
Conceptual Metaphor
WARMTH IS COMFORT / ALCOHOL IS MEDICINE
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'toddy' LEAST likely to be used?