Crawdad / Crawdaddy

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "crawdad" is the common word for a crayfish - the small, lobster-like crustacean living in streams and creeks. It’s a staple of rural childhood and creek play.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Animals #Nature #Southern

synonyms: crayfish, crawfish

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't know they were called anything other than 'crawdads' and 'crawdaddies' until the moment I wrote this!

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't know they were called anything other than 'crawdads' and 'crawdaddies' until the moment I wrote this!

Pronunciation

[KRAW-dad]

Meaning & Usage

- Small freshwater crustacean (crayfish) (noun)

Mae:

What y’all catching?

Earl:

Just a mess of crawdads for the bucket.

variations: crawdaddy

★ "Crawdad" is the go-to word in Appalachia and much of the South, while "crayfish" dominates the Northeast and "crawfish" the Gulf Coast. It’s one of the clearest regional differences in American English. ★

Origin and Etymology

Derived from "crayfish" (Middle English "crevis") through folk alteration. Chiefly found in the South, South Midland, and West, and celebrated in folk songs like "Crawdad Song."

Usage Notes

Still widely used in the South and Appalachia. Outside the region it’s recognized but less common, seen as rural or nostalgic. The word often evokes childhood memories of creeks, nets, and summer days.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain: "craw-dad." The "dad" is quick and soft, often pluralized as "crawdads."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is a crawdad the same as a crayfish?

Yes - just a different regional name.

Do people still use "crawdad" today?

Yes - especially in Southern and Appalachian regions.

Where else is "crawdad" used?

Parts of the Midwest and West, but it’s most strongly associated with the South.

Is "crawdad" the same as "crawfish"?

They’re the same animal; "crawfish" is more common in Louisiana and seafood contexts.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). Crawdad / Crawdaddy. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/crawdad
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Crawdad / Crawdaddy." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/crawdad.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Crawdad / Crawdaddy." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/crawdad.