flip-flop
UK /ˈflɪpˌflɒp/ · US /ˈflɪpˌflɑp/ noun, verb
Forms flip-flops flip-flopping flip-flopped flip flop flipflop
- noun (US, UK, Fiji) A sandal consisting of a rubber sole fastened to the foot by a rubber thong fitting between the toes and around the sides of the foot.
- noun (idiomatic) A change of places; an inversion or swap.
- noun (US) An instance of flip-flopping, of repeatedly changing one's stated opinion about a matter.
- noun (computing, electronics) A bistable; an electronic switching circuit that has either two stable states (switching between them in response to a trigger) or a stable and an unstable state (switching from one to the other and back again in response to a trigger), and which is thereby capable of serving as one bit of memory.
- noun The sound of a regular footfall.
- noun A somersault.
- noun (US, slang, truck driving) A return trip.
- noun (slang, derogatory, offensive) A person or inhabitant of the Middle East, or a Muslim nation, particularly Afghanistan.
- verb (idiomatic, transitive, intransitive) To alternate back and forth between directly opposite opinions, ideas, or decisions.
Synonyms
flippy-flop go-ahead jandal thong plugger slop chancla zori beach sandal slipper U-turn vacillate reversal change of mind turnabout turnaround interchange tack switch alternate flip
Etymology
Onomatopoeic. Most probably an imitation of the sound produced when walking in them.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “flip-flop”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details