Fox vs. Tod — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Foxes are wild animals with bushy tails and keen senses, used broadly in English; "tod" specifically refers to a male fox, less commonly used.
Difference Between Fox and Tod
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Foxes are members of the Canidae family, known for their sharp hunting skills and distinctive physical characteristics such as pointed ears and bushy tails. Whereas "tod" is a specific term used predominantly in British English to denote a male fox, highlighting a more specialized usage within the language.
Foxes are versatile in their habitat, thriving in diverse environments from forests to urban areas. On the other hand, the term "tod" does not imply any particular habitat differences, but rather focuses solely on the gender of the animal.
The general term "fox" applies to both male and female foxes and is used in various cultural, literary, and conversational contexts. Whereas "tod" specifically identifies the male of the species, and is rarely used outside of certain regional dialects or historical texts.
In folklore and storytelling, "fox" often symbolizes cunning and trickery. On the other hand, "tod" lacks these broad cultural associations and is seldom recognized in folklore or popular culture.
Foxes are subject to biological and ecological research, contributing to studies on behavior, conservation, and interaction with humans. In contrast, "tod" as a term offers limited scientific relevance, primarily appearing in discussions related to animal gender identification.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A wild canid of the genus Vulpes.
Specifically a male fox.
Usage Frequency
Commonly used in global English.
Mainly used in British English.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes cunning, appears in folklore.
Lacks broad cultural associations.
Gender Implication
Refers to both males and females.
Exclusively refers to males.
Relevance
Broad ecological and cultural relevance.
Limited to specific gender identity.
Compare with Definitions
Fox
Used metaphorically to describe someone clever or deceitful.
He's a fox in business deals, always getting the best outcome.
Tod
Rarely used in modern English outside of specific contexts.
Few people still refer to a male fox as a tod.
Fox
A small, carnivorous animal known for its cunning nature.
The fox sneaked into the henhouse at night.
Tod
Specific to male foxes without any extended metaphorical uses.
In wildlife documentation, the term tod is occasionally used.
Fox
In card games, a fox can refer to a cunning player.
Watch out for Sarah at poker; she’s a real fox.
Tod
Old British term for a male fox.
The tod was spotted near the edge of the woods.
Fox
A member of the Vulpes genus, often characterized by a bushy tail.
Foxes are commonly seen in both rural and urban areas.
Tod
Used in hunting terminology.
Hunters often look for the tod during their excursions.
Fox
A term in broadcasting for a type of antenna.
The engineer recommended installing a fox to improve reception.
Tod
No broader implications beyond its definition.
In the meeting, he mentioned a tod, confusing most attendees.
Fox
Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail (or brush).
Tod
A male fox.
Fox
A member of a North American people formerly living in southern Wisconsin, and now mainly in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Tod
A unit of weight for wool, especially one equivalent to about 28 pounds (12.7 kilograms).
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox, now almost extinct.
Tod
A bushy clump, as of ivy.
Fox
Baffle or deceive (someone)
The abbreviation foxed me completely
Tod
A fox in general.
Fox
Relating to the Fox or their language.
Tod
(figuratively) Someone like a fox; a crafty person.
Fox
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
Tod
A bush, especially of ivy.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox.
Tod
An old English measure of weight, usually of wool, containing two stone or 28 pounds (13 kg).
Fox
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
Tod
(obsolete) To weigh; to yield in tods.
Fox
The fur of one of these mammals.
Tod
A bush; a thick shrub; a bushy clump.
The ivy tod is heavy with snow.
Fox
A crafty, sly, or clever person.
Tod
An old weight used in weighing wool, being usually twenty-eight pounds.
Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
Tod
A fox; - probably so named from its bushy tail.
The wolf, the tod, the brock.
Fox
(Archaic) A sword.
Tod
To weigh; to yield in tods.
Fox
To trick or fool by ingenuity or cunning; outwit.
Tod
A unit of weight for wool equal to about 28 pounds
Fox
To baffle or confuse.
Tod
Alone and on your own;
Don't just sit there on your tod
Fox
To make (beer) sour by fermenting.
Fox
To repair (a shoe) by attaching a new upper.
Fox
(Obsolete) To intoxicate.
Fox
To act slyly or craftily.
Fox
To turn sour in fermenting. Used of beer.
Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
Fox
The fur of a fox.
Fox
A fox terrier.
Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
Fox
A cunning person.
Fox
A physically attractive man or woman.
Fox
A person with reddish brown hair, usually a woman.
Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
Fox
(mechanics) A wedge driven into the split end of a bolt to tighten it.
Fox
A hidden radio transmitter, finding which is the goal of radiosport.
Fox
(cartomancy) The fourteenth Lenormand card.
Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Fox
Air-to-air weapon launched.
Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
Fox
(intransitive) To act slyly or craftily.
Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
Fox
(transitive) To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Fox
(transitive) To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
Fox
The European dragonet.
Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
Fox
A sly, cunning fellow.
We call a crafty and cruel man a fox.
Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
Fox
To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Fox
To turn sour; - said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Fox
Alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
Fox
A shifty deceptive person
Fox
The gray or reddish-brown fur of a fox
Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
Fox
A member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox people
Fox
Deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
Fox
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
Fox
Become discolored with, or as if with, mildew spots
Common Curiosities
Are the terms "fox" and "tod" interchangeable?
No, "fox" can refer to any fox regardless of gender, while "tod" specifically identifies a male fox.
What is a fox?
A fox is a small, omnivorous mammal known for its bushy tail and keen senses, belonging to the Vulpes genus.
Why is "tod" less commonly used than "fox"?
"Tod" is a regional and somewhat archaic term, whereas "fox" is universally understood and widely used.
Can "tod" be used in modern English?
It can be used, but it is rare and typically found in historical texts or specific regional dialects.
Does "tod" have any specific habitat associations?
No, "tod" as a term does not imply any particular habitat, focusing only on gender.
What does "tod" refer to?
"Tod" specifically refers to a male fox and is mostly used in British English.
What habitats do foxes prefer?
Foxes are adaptable and can live in forests, grasslands, mountains, and even urban areas.
What is the cultural significance of foxes?
Foxes often symbolize cunning and intelligence in various cultures, appearing in numerous myths and stories.
How do foxes contribute to ecology?
Foxes play a crucial role in controlling pests and thus contribute to the balance of ecosystems.
Does "tod" appear in folklore or myths?
"Tod" does not have the same cultural or symbolic significance as "fox."
Are there any conservation concerns regarding foxes?
Conservation efforts are often focused on habitat preservation and reducing conflicts with humans.
Can "tod" be used metaphorically like "fox"?
Unlike "fox," "tod" is not used metaphorically and has a straightforward definition.
How do researchers study foxes?
Researchers study fox behaviors, social dynamics, and interactions within ecosystems.
How does the usage of "tod" differ in British English compared to American English?
"Tod" is more commonly found in British English and is generally unfamiliar to American English speakers.
Is knowledge of the term "tod" important for understanding English literature?
Knowing "tod" can be helpful when reading historical or region-specific literature where the term might appear.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
