The word "hopping" typically refers to the action of jumping or leaping on one foot or both feet, often in a playful or energetic manner. It can also imply moving quickly or with agility from one place to another. In a broader context, "hopping" can describe any situation involving sudden or swift movement, like hopping from one topic to another in conversation.
The word "hopping" comes from the Old English word "hopian," which means to leap or dance. The term has evolved over time, with "hop" becoming a common term in English to describe a short, quick jump.