What does grasshopper mean?
A grasshopper is a large, short-horned insect of the family Acrididae, recognized by its powerful hind legs and its ability to leap. In ordinary use, the word refers to these insects, including familiar field species such as the common grasshopper; in a specialist context it may also mean the green Chartreuse-based cocktail traditionally called a Grasshopper. Informally, calling someone a grasshopper suggests restless, constantly changing interests rather than steady attention. The word is neutral when used of the animal and mildly playful or dismissive when used of a person. Its compound structure is transparent: grass identifies the insect’s usual habitat, while hopper captures the hopping movement that gives it its name. Together, the literal image and the figurative use make grasshopper a vivid word for both animal movement and human restlessness.
nounA grasshopper is any of various large, short-horned jumping insects of the family Acrididae, typically with powerful hind legs. The word can also denote a green Chartreuse-based cocktail or, informally, a restless person who keeps moving from one activity or interest to another.
- A large, short-horned jumping insect of the family Acrididae, typically having powerful hind legs and, in many species, producing chirping sounds.
- Informally, a restless person who keeps moving from one activity, place, or topic to another.
- A green cocktail commonly made with green Chartreuse, crème de menthe, and cream.
"A grasshopper perched on the tallest stalk in the meadow, its folded legs ready to spring."
"A grasshopper landed on the rim of my cup before vanishing into the grass."
"She moved through the project like a grasshopper, brightening each conversation before hopping to the next."
The regular plural adds -s and is used for multiple insects or multiple people described figuratively.
"Two grasshoppers sprang away as the hikers approached."
Grasshoppers live on every continent except Antarctica.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does grasshopper come from?
The English word grasshopper was formed in early modern English from grass and hopper, referring to an insect that hops among grass. Hopper derives from hop, an Old English verb inherited from Germanic, so the compound transparently combines the creature’s habitat with its characteristic movement.
How grasshopper is actually used
The insect sense is neutral and standard in both scientific and general contexts. The figurative sense is informal and often mildly playful or dismissive, suggesting restlessness and an inability to remain focused. As the name of a cocktail, Grasshopper is normally capitalized.