Hopscotch: meaning, definitions and examples

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hopscotch

 

[ ˈhɒpskɒtʃ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

children's game

Hopscotch is a children's game in which players toss a small object onto a drawn grid and then hop or jump through the squares to retrieve it. The game is played both indoors and outdoors and is popular in many countries worldwide.

Synonyms

Pavement game, Street game

Examples of usage

  • The kids gathered in the park to play hopscotch after school.
  • She taught her younger brother how to play hopscotch.
  • We played hopscotch with chalk on the sidewalk.
  • Hopscotch is a great way to practice balance and coordination.

Translations

Translations of the word "hopscotch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pular corda

🇮🇳 हॉपस्कॉच

🇩🇪 Hüpfspiel

🇮🇩 loncat tali

🇺🇦 класики

🇵🇱 gra w klasy

🇯🇵 ホップスコッチ

🇫🇷 marelle

🇪🇸 rayuela

🇹🇷 sek sek

🇰🇷 사방치기

🇸🇦 لعبة الحبل

🇨🇿 panáček

🇸🇰 skákacie hry

🇨🇳 跳房子

🇸🇮 školica

🇮🇸 hoppa

🇰🇿 классикалық ойын

🇬🇪 ხტომები

🇦🇿 sıçrayıcı

🇲🇽 rayuela

Etymology

The word 'hopscotch' comes from a combination of the words 'hop' and 'scotch.' 'Hop' refers to the action of jumping, while 'scotch' may come from the Scottish word 'scot,' meaning 'to cut.' This reflects the game's original form where players would cut or mark a pattern on the ground, creating a distinctive playing field. The game has deep historical roots, dating back to at least the 17th century in England, where it was known as 'pavement.' It spread across various cultures and languages, evolving into different variations. In some cultures, hopscotch is also referred to as 'cinderella' or 'hoppity hop.' The game not only provides physical exercise but also encourages social interaction, creativity, and coordination skills among children.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,230, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.