flam

¹

[ flam ]

noun

1. a deception or trick.
2. a falsehood; lie.

verb (used with or without object)

, flammed, flam·ming.

1. to deceive; delude; cheat.

flam

²

[ flam ]

noun

1. a drumbeat consisting of two notes in quick succession, with the accent on the second.

flam

¹

/ flæm /

noun

1. a drumbeat in which both sticks strike the head almost simultaneously but are heard to do so separately

flam

²

/ flæm /

noun

1. a falsehood, deception, or sham
2. nonsense; drivel

verb

1. tr to cheat or deceive

Word History and Origins

Origin of flam¹

First recorded in 1615–25; short for flimflam ( def )

Origin of flam²

First recorded in 1790–1800; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of flam¹

C18: probably imitative of the sound

Origin of flam²

C16: probably short for flimflam

Example Sentences

“Two of my favorite places in the region are Bergen and Flam in Norway, with some amazing food, markets and landscapes,” said Joshua Smith, the founder of Global Citizen Journeys, a travel company that caters to millennials.

From New York Times

Bulldozing his way to the semifinals, he played against fellow American Herbert Flam in a match that started terribly, Mr. Savitt recalled.

From Washington Post

Flam “began really well, was leading 6-1, 5-1 and started laughing because it was so easy,” he told the Sunday Telegraph of London.

From Washington Post

Since 2018 owners/artistic directors Jamie Flam and Vanessa Ragland have opened their Art Deco doors to the public for amazing New Year’s, Halloween and even Valentine’s Day bashes.

From Los Angeles Times

“Expect live music, a long line-up of special guests, and a look back at highlights from the first five years. And popcorn,” Flam and Ragland said via email.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• complicity
• conspiracy
• deceit
• scam