I. ˈflip verb
( flipped ; flipped ; flipping ; flips )
Etymology: probably of imitative origin
transitive verb
1. : to put into motion with a small sharp impulse especially so as to cause to turn over in the air
flipped a coin to decide who should go
boys flipping hazelnuts at one another
2. : to touch or move with a flip : flick
flip the dust from your feet
flipped him on the ear with a peashooter
3. : to propel (as oneself) with or as if with flippers
various small creatures flipping themselves over the mud flats
4. slang : to get aboard (a vehicle in motion)
beat his way west, flipping freights and hooking truck rides
5. : flap 7
6. : to turn over (as a card in poker)
intransitive verb
1. : to make a small sharp darting or twitching movement (as of the fingers) as though flipping something : strike at something with such a movement
flipping at the daisy heads with a switch
2. : to move jerkily or with or as if with flippers
met a seal flipping over the rocks
a small bird balancing and flipping on a twig
•
- flip one's lid
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an act, instance, or result of flipping:
a. : a smart quick blow or stroke
give him a flip on the ear and come on
b. : the motion used in flipping something
anyone can make a stone skip; it's all in the flip of the wrist
c. : a somersault especially as performed in the air in certain gymnastic and diving exercises
d. : flap 6
e. : a short quick football pass
f. : vibration of the barrel of a firearm that is caused by burning powder and movement of the projectile or shot load and that is distinct from motion of the barrel in the functioning of the action, recoil of the piece, or movement by the firer
g. : stud poker in which all cards are dealt face down
2.
a. : a drink popular in 18th century England and colonial America consisting of rum and beer or ale sweetened and heated often with a hot poker or loggerhead
b. : an iced drink that consists of wine, brandy, rum, or a liqueur, sugar, and egg and that is shaken and dusted with nutmeg when served
brandy flip
sherry flip
c. : a hot drink of sweetened liquor usually spiced and containing beaten egg
III. adjective
( flipper ; flippest )
1. dialect : supple , limber ; especially : nimble
2. : glib or pert in speech : flippant ; broadly : violating good taste : fresh or smart in manner or conduct : smart-alecky
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: flip (III)
: a flip person : smart aleck
V. intransitive verb
1. : to lose self-control
when he flips it takes three men to hold him — Eddie Krell
— often used with out
2. : to become extremely enthusiastic
I flipped for that man's music — Melissa Hayden
VI. noun
: an often shoulder-length hair style with the ends of the hair turned upward — compare pageboy in the Dict