Flip

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪp

Alteration of earlier fillip, from Middle English filippen ("to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger, snap the fingers"), an attenuated variation of Middle English flappen ("to flap, clap, slap, strike"). Cognate with Dutch flappen ("to flap"), German flappen ("to flap").

Full definition of flip

Noun

1. A maneuver which rotates an object end over end.We'll decide this on a flip of a coin.The diver did a couple of flips before landing in the pool.
2. A complete change of direction, decision, movement etc.

Derived terms

• backflip

Verb

1. (transitive) To throw (as in to turn over).You need to flip the pancake onto the other side.
• 2011, September 16, Ben Dirs, Rugby World Cup 2011: New Zealand 83-7 Japan, However, the hosts hit back and hit back hard, first replacement hooker Andrew Hore sliding over, then Williams careering out of his own half and leaving several defenders for dead before flipping the ball to Nonu to finish off a scintillating move.
2. (transitive) To put into a quick revolving motion through a snap of the thumb and index finger.If you can't decide which option to go for, flip a coin.
3. (intransitive, slang) To go berserk or crazy.I'd flip if anyone broke my phone.
4. To buy an asset (usually a house), improve it and sell it quickly for profit.
5. (computing) To invert a bit (binary digit), changing it from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0.

Derived terms

Synonyms

• (to throw, to turn over) turn, turn over
• (to put into a quick revolving motion) toss

Apparently a euphemism for fuck.

Interjection

1. (UK, mildly vulgar) used to express annoyance, especially when the speaker has made an error.
• 1967, Peter Shaffer, Black comedy, including White lies: two playsImpossible. He's dining out and coming on here after. He can't be reached.
  Oh, flip!
• 2000, Susan McKay, Northern Protestants"Oh flip, don't come near this place," she said. It was dangerous. The Catholics had banners up on the Garvaghy Road saying, 'No Protestants here'.

Synonyms

• damn

From flippant, by shortening.

Adjective

1. (British, informal) Having the quality of playfulness, or lacking seriousness of purpose.I hate to be flip, but perhaps we could steal a Christmas tree.
2. sarcastic

Compare English dialect flip ("nimble, flippant, also, a slight blow").

Noun