flicflac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rare/ObscureSpecialised/Technical (Gymnastics, Acrobatics); Informal when used metaphorically.
Quick answer
What does “flicflac” mean?
A gymnastic or acrobatic tumbling move consisting of a backward handspring.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A gymnastic or acrobatic tumbling move consisting of a backward handspring.
By extension, it can refer to any rapid, flipping, or repeated back-and-forth motion, sometimes used metaphorically for sudden changes in fortune or decision-making.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In technical gymnastics contexts, both regions might use it, but it's not a mainstream term. The spelling 'flick-flack' is perhaps more common in British sources.
Connotations
In metaphorical use, it could imply whimsy, indecision, or rapid reversal. No strong regional connotation difference exists due to its rarity.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, unlikely to be encountered in general language.
Grammar
How to Use “flicflac” in a Sentence
to perform a flicflacto flicflac (verb, rare)the flicflac of [something metaphorical]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flicflac” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The young gymnast learned to flicflac across the mat with surprising grace.
American English
- He managed to flicflac out of the tight corner, metaphorically speaking.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. A creative CEO might metaphorically refer to 'market flicflacs' to describe volatility.
Academic
Only in specific studies on gymnastics history or technique.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely. Possibly understood in communities involved in circus arts or acrobatics.
Technical
The primary domain: gymnastics, acrobatics, and possibly physics describing certain motions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flicflac”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flicflac”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flicflac”
- Spelling: flick-flack, flic-flac, flick flack. Using it as a common verb (e.g., 'He flicflacked his opinion'). Assuming it is a widely understood word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is highly specialised and rare. It is primarily found in glossaries of gymnastics or acrobatics, and sometimes in creative, metaphorical writing.
They are largely synonymous in gymnastics. 'Back handspring' is the standard, widely understood term. 'Flicflac' (or 'flick-flack') is a more technical or traditional variant.
It is not recommended unless you are speaking to someone familiar with gymnastics or you are deliberately using creative, figurative language. Most listeners will not know the word.
A verb form can be created (as with many nouns in English), but it is non-standard and would be considered a creative or jargonistic usage, meaning 'to perform a flicflac' or 'to flip/reverse rapidly'.
A gymnastic or acrobatic tumbling move consisting of a backward handspring.
Flicflac is usually specialised/technical (gymnastics, acrobatics); informal when used metaphorically. in register.
Flicflac: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflɪk.flæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflɪk.flæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The flicflac of fate (creative/metaphorical).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think FLICK your body back, then FLACK down on your hands. A FLICFLAC is a flick and a flack.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE OF DIRECTION/MIND IS PHYSICAL FLIPPING (e.g., 'He did a complete flicflac on the policy').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'flicflac' MOST likely to be used correctly?