👉 Hobnails are sharp, round nails that appear on the outermost layer of a human or animal's nail. They are typically found in areas where the nail is exposed to harsh weather conditions such as cold temperatures and high winds. The term "hobnail" comes from the Latin word for "cut," which suggests that they have been cut off by the force of the environment, either due to being removed from their original location or because they were damaged during a collision or fall.