flip-flop

[ 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 cir·cuit [flip, -flop sur-kit]. 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. Compare thong, zori.
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-flop·ping.

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 calledbistable 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

Related Words

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