flick
B1Informal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A quick, light, and often sharp movement, typically made with the fingers or wrist.
Any brief, sharp movement or action; also a slang term for a film or movie.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary sense is a movement (noun) or to make a movement (verb). The film sense (noun) is slang.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage of 'flick' to mean 'film' is slightly more established in British English. American English might prefer 'movie' in neutral contexts.
Connotations
As slang for a film, it carries a casual, sometimes slightly dismissive or light-hearted tone in both varieties.
Frequency
The movement senses are equally common in both varieties. The film sense is informal but widely understood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
flick (sth) + preposition (at/through/away/off)flick + NPflick + NP + PPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “flick through (a book/magazine)”
- “flick a switch”
- “the old flick of the wrist”
- “chick flick”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal discussion of a quick action ('Just flick the document over to me').
Academic
Rare. Mostly used in descriptions of physical or technical actions in science/physics.
Everyday
Common for describing quick, light actions and casual talk about films.
Technical
Used in mechanics/physics (e.g., 'contact bounce' can be described as a switch flicking).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He flicked the light switch on.
- She flicked through the TV channels.
- Flick the crumbs off the tablecloth.
- The goalkeeper just flicked the ball over the bar.
American English
- He flicked the bug off his sleeve.
- I flicked through the magazine in the waiting room.
- She flicked her hair back.
- The horse flicked its tail.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as an adverb).
American English
- (Rarely used as an adverb).
adjective
British English
- The 'flick knife' is illegal.
- (No other standard adjectival use).
American English
- A 'flick knife' is called a switchblade here.
- (No other standard adjectival use).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She gave the ball a flick with her finger.
- The cat's tail gave a little flick.
- Can you flick the lights off on your way out?
- He was flicking through a magazine.
- With a practised flick of the wrist, she opened the lock.
- We stayed in and watched an old flick.
- The journalist's eyes flicked towards the source of the noise, registering the potential threat.
- His novel is a dispassionate flick through the album of a decaying empire.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the quick, f-light cl-ick of a lighter.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS MOTION ('flick through the pages'), ATTENTION IS A LIGHT BEAM ('her eyes flicked across the room').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'флирт' (flirt). The verb 'щёлкать' is a good equivalent for the action.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'flick' for a heavy, forceful movement (incorrect).
- Overusing the film sense in formal writing.
- Confusing 'flick' and 'flip' (a flip is more of a turning over motion).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flick' used as informal slang?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal or neutral. The sense meaning 'film' is definitely slang.
'Flick' implies a quick, sharp, often light contact that propels. 'Flip' implies turning something over or tossing with a more pronounced spinning motion.
Yes. Transitive: 'She flicked the switch.' Intransitive: 'His eyes flicked towards the door.'
It can be, depending on context and tone. It is an informal label for films perceived to appeal primarily to a female audience, often focusing on romance. It can be used neutrally, affectionately, or pejoratively.