Where "Frog and Toad" Comes From
"Frog and toad" rhymes with "road" and is one of the oldest documented pieces of Cockney rhyming slang — recorded in 1859 in John Camden Hotten's glossary, one of the first known compilations of rhyming slang. It was brought to Australia with British settlers and has been in continuous use across both countries for well over a century.
"Hit the frog and toad" means to hit the road — to set off on a journey. In Australia, where long drives across vast, empty landscapes are a genuine national experience, the expression carries particular resonance. It is sometimes shortened to just "the frog."
Source:
"Hit the frog and toad early to beat traffic."
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used casually to talk about getting on the road, particularly before a long drive — "hit the frog and toad" is a cheerful way of saying "let's get going."
It's a favourite among older generations and road-trip enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of colourful phrasing.
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