flipping
Flipping (adv) means a mild intensifier used in place of a stronger swear word (informal, chiefly British). Example: “This is flipping ridiculous.”
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.
Very informal/colloquial, used mainly in spoken British English as a milder alternative to profanity.
Word forms
flippings plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This is _____ ridiculous.
Synonyms
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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.