flip-flop
/ˈflɪp.flɒp/
noun
Origin
English
flip-flop — Onomatopoeic formation
Overview
Meaning Now
- A light sandal typically made of rubber or plastic, consisting of a sole held to the foot by a V-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes.
- A sudden or radical reversal of policy, opinion, or stance.
Literal older meaning
Onomatopoeic representation of the sound made by the footwear when walking.
Language path
English
Earliest form
flip-flop
Earliest period
20th century
Journey
The term originated as an imitative word for the sound of something flapping. By the mid-20th century, 'flip-flop' became the common North American term for thong-style sandals, likely due to the sound they make against the heel while walking. The political usage, meaning a sudden reversal, emerged shortly after, drawing on the idea of vacillating or swaying back and forth.
Evolution
- 17th century
flip-flap
“The sound of flapping or repeated light blows.”
Reduplicated imitative formation.
- 20th century
flip-flop
“Reversal or sound of loose footwear.”
Shift to describing specific footwear and political reversal.
Connections
Word parts
flip
root
imitative of a quick, light movement
flop
root
imitative of a heavy or sudden movement
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Related to flip-flop
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.