Flip

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Flip

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb, noun, and adjective

Pronunciation

FLIP  /flɪp/

Definition

As a verb: to turn over with a quick movement; to switch on or off; to become suddenly angry or irrational (informal). As a noun: a quick turning movement. As an adjective: glib and lacking seriousness; flippant.

Plain meaning

To flip is to turn something over quickly — a pancake, a coin, a switch. Informally: to suddenly lose control, or to be glib and dismissive. A flip answer is a flippant one.

Register

Informal to neutral. The action senses are standard. The losing control sense is informal. The adjective flip is slightly dated but still used.