flip-flop

Also flip-flap

[flip-flop]

noun

1. Informal.,  a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy.

2. a backward somersault.

3. Also called flip-flop circuit. Electronics.,  an electronic circuit having two stable conditions, each one corresponding to one of two alternative input signals.

4. any of several similar devices having two alternative states, the change of state being caused by some input signal or by some change of input.

5. the sound and motion of something flapping, as a windblown shutter; a banging to and fro.

6. any backless, usually open-toed flat shoe or slipper.

7. a flat, backless rubber sandal, usually secured on the foot by a thong between the first two toes, as for use at a beach, swimming pool, etc.

8. (in advertising) a display or presentation, usually on an easel, consisting of a series of pages hinged at the top and flipped over in sequence.

adverb

1. with repeated sounds and motions, as of something flapping.

verb (used without object)

flip-flopped, flip-flopping 

1. Informal.,  to make a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy.

   The opposition claimed that the president had flip-flopped on certain issues.

2. to execute a backward somersault.

3. to flap; bang to and fro.

   The door flip-flopped in the high wind.

flip-flop

noun

1. a backward handspring

2. Also called: bistable. an electronic device or circuit that can assume either of two stable states by the application of a suitable pulse

3. informal,  a complete change of opinion, policy, etc

4. a repeated flapping or banging noise

5. Also called (US, Canadian, Austral, and NZ): thong. a rubber-soled sandal attached to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the next toe

verb

1. informal,  to make a complete change of opinion, policy, etc

2. to move with repeated flaps

adverb

1. with repeated flappings

   to go flip-flop

Word History and Origins

Origin of flip-flop¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Word History and Origins

Origin of flip-flop¹

C16: reduplication of _flip

Example Sentences

With his polo shirts and running shoes, he stood out in a town where most wore flip-flops and as few clothes as possible in the oppressive heat.

From Los Angeles Times

I stay away from sandals, only wearing flip-flops at the beach.

From Salon

Whether you’re towering over surfers in Huge or shuffling along the beach in Low, ERL has created a flip-flop height for any occasion.

From Los Angeles Times

He was tall, tanned, wearing shorts and flip-flops, and cracking jokes before even saying hello.

From Los Angeles Times

They are also emptying overflowing bins and removing large items left behind, such as camping chairs, inflatable mattresses, slippers, flip-flops and shopping bags.

From BBC

Related Words

• U-turn 
• about-face 
• reversal 
• turnabout 
• volte-face