Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “flip” come from?

Flip derives from Middle English flippen, which comes from Middle English flappen, a word of uncertain origin whose meaning is not documented.

flip (English): A maneuver which rotates an object end over end;...

Definitions

  1. A maneuver which rotates an object end over end;...

Ancestry of “flip”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishfillipThe action of holding the tip of a finger against...
2Middle Englishfilippento make a signal or sound with thumb and right...
3Middle Englishflappento flap, clap, slap, strike

Words derived from “flip”

  • flipping
  • flippant
  • flippancy
  • flippantly
  • flipper
  • flipside
  • backflip
  • flippy
  • flippase
  • kickflip
  • flippered
  • flipperlike
  • flippable
  • flippery
  • heelflip
  • flipness
  • reflip
  • flipperless
  • bitflip
  • flipboard
  • hardflip
  • unflippable
  • flipflash
  • flippand
Every word from Middle English flappen →