flatfoot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, slang (for police meaning); technical/medical (for foot condition).
Quick answer
What does “flatfoot” mean?
A police officer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A police officer.
1. A condition (flat feet) where the arches of the feet are flattened. 2. (Slang) A police officer, especially one walking a beat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang term for a police officer is understood in both but more stereotypically associated with older American crime dramas and noir. The medical term is identical.
Connotations
In both, the slang is dated and stylized. It may carry a connotation of a plodding, unsophisticated, or old-fashioned officer.
Frequency
Rare in modern casual speech in both varieties. The medical term is standard where applicable.
Grammar
How to Use “flatfoot” in a Sentence
He was a flatfoot. (N)The suspect outran the flatfoot. (V + N)She has flatfoot. (have + N)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possible in medical/podiatry contexts discussing 'pes planus' (flatfoot).
Everyday
Rare. If used, likely the slang in a joking or historical reference.
Technical
Medical term for a foot deformity characterized by the collapse of the longitudinal arch.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flatfoot”
- Using 'flatfoot' for a modern police officer sounds unnatural. Confusing the countable noun (a flatfoot = an officer) with the uncountable condition (has flatfoot).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal, dated slang and can be seen as mildly disrespectful or humorous. Use 'police officer' or 'officer' in polite conversation.
'Flatfoot' is the standard singular/plural noun for the medical condition (e.g., 'He has flatfoot'). 'Flat feet' is a more casual, descriptive phrase for the same condition.
No, 'flatfoot' is not used as a verb. The related adjective is 'flat-footed'.
The term originates from the idea that police officers who patrolled on foot ('walked the beat') would develop sore, flat feet from all the walking.
A police officer.
Flatfoot is usually informal, slang (for police meaning); technical/medical (for foot condition). in register.
Flatfoot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflatfʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflætˌfʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The flatfoots are on our tail.”
- “He walked like a man with flat feet.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FLAT tire on a police car; the officer has to walk with his FLAT FEET – he's a FLATFOOT.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHARACTERISTIC (flat foot) FOR THE PERSON (police officer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flatfoot' most likely to be used neutrally in modern English?