adv
Uncommon
flipping
FLIH-pihng
Flipping (adv) means a mild intensifier used in place of a stronger swear word (informal, chiefly British). Example: “This is flipping ridiculous.”
adv
1
A mild intensifier used in place of a stronger swear word (informal, chiefly British).
"This is flipping ridiculous."
noun
1
The practice of buying something and quickly reselling it for profit.
"House flipping became popular during the property boom."
How to use flipping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite stand-in for a stronger swear word, or the act of buying-and-reselling something quickly.
When to use it
Very informal/colloquial, used mainly in spoken British English as a milder alternative to profanity.
Common pairings
flipping heck
house flipping
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Word forms
- Plural
- flippings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This is _____ ridiculous.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for flipping
tipping
dipping
ripping
nipping
sipping
yipping
shipping
whipping
slipping
dripping
clipping
gripping
See all rhymes for flipping →
Frequently asked questions
What does “flipping” mean?
The word “flipping” means a mild intensifier used in place of a stronger swear word (informal, chiefly British). In plain terms, a polite stand-in for a stronger swear word, or the act of buying-and-reselling something quickly.
How do you pronounce “flipping”?
“Flipping” is pronounced FLIH-pihng (/ˈflɪpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flipping” in a sentence?
Here is “flipping” used in a sentence: “This is flipping ridiculous.”
What part of speech is “flipping”?
Depending on how it is used, “flipping” can be an adverb and a noun.
Is “flipping” a common word?
“Flipping” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “flipping” have?
“Flipping” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mild intensifier used in place of a stronger swear word (informal, chiefly British).
What does "flipping" mean when used as a mild swear word, like "flipping heck"?
In this informal British usage, "flipping" acts as a softened, family-friendly substitute for a stronger swear word, adding emphasis without being offensive. It typically appears before a noun or adjective, as in "flipping brilliant" or "flipping annoying."
Is "flipping" as an intensifier rude or acceptable in polite company?
"Flipping" is generally considered mild and inoffensive, acceptable in most polite or family settings, precisely because it works as a softer stand-in for a stronger swear word. It's still informal, though, so it wouldn't typically appear in formal writing.
