hopping John

American  

[hop-in, -ing] / ˈhɒp ɪn, -ɪŋ /

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

1. a dish of black-eyed peas, rice, bacon or ham, and red pepper or other seasoning: traditionally served on New Year's Day because of the superstition that black-eyed peas bring good luck for the New Year.

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Etymology

Origin of hopping John

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Among the many desirable things our parents brought us the most delightful was cow pease, rice, and a piece of bacon, cooked together; the mixture was called by the slaves "hopping John."

From My Life In The South by Stroyer, Jacob