croc
n.n. a short, informal way to say 'croc' or 'crocodile'. You use this when talking about the animal in a casual way.
n. a shortened, informal form of 'crocodile'. Used primarily in casual conversation or as a nickname for the animal.
We saw a croc swimming in the river.
The tour guide warned us to stay on the path because a croc might be nearby.
While the term 'croc' is common in casual speech, it is often replaced by the more formal 'crocodile' in scientific or legal documents regarding wildlife protection.
Clipping of crocodile.
From the American shoe company Crocs, Inc., reportedly named for the shoe's resemblance in profile to a crocodile snout or the "multi-environment, amphibious nature" of the animal.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 18, 2026