flip-flopper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, often journalistic, pejorative, political
Quick answer
What does “flip-flopper” mean?
A person who frequently changes their opinions, decisions, or political allegiance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who frequently changes their opinions, decisions, or political allegiance.
A political or public figure perceived as lacking core principles, who adapts their stance for short-term gain or public approval. Can also refer to someone who is generally indecisive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American political commentary, but well understood in British contexts. The concept might be expressed with "U-turn artist" or simply "inconsistent" in UK political jargon.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties, associated with political weakness and pandering.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially during election cycles.
Grammar
How to Use “flip-flopper” in a Sentence
[Someone] is a flip-flopper (on [issue]).[They] labelled/called/dismissed [person] as a flip-flopper.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flip-flopper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The MP was accused of flip-flopping on the Brexit trade deal.
American English
- The senator flip-flopped on the healthcare bill after pressure from donors.
adverb
British English
- He argued flip-floppingly, contradicting his earlier statements.
American English
- The campaign proceeded flip-floppingly, with no clear message.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might describe an executive with inconsistent strategy.
Academic
Very rare; considered informal. Would use 'ideologically flexible' or 'inconsistent'.
Everyday
Used to describe someone, often in politics, who changes their mind frequently.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flip-flopper”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flip-flopper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flip-flopper”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Misspelling as 'flipflopper' or 'flip-floper'.
- Applying it to minor, non-political indecision where 'indecisive' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is almost exclusively pejorative. It questions a person's integrity and constancy.
It can, but it's less common. It would describe someone perceived as chronically indecisive or opportunistic in business or personal matters.
A 'flip-flopper' implies change for cynical, short-term reasons (like polls). 'Evolving' suggests a genuine, thoughtful process of change over time, often framed positively by the speaker.
The verb form ('he flip-flopped') is slightly more common in active reporting, while the noun ('he is a flip-flopper') is more common as a definitive label or insult.
A person who frequently changes their opinions, decisions, or political allegiance.
Flip-flopper is usually informal, often journalistic, pejorative, political in register.
Flip-flopper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflɪpˌflɒp.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflɪpˌflɑː.pɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow with the wind”
- “sit on the fence (less intense)”
- “trim one's sails”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound a sandal makes—flip, flop—as someone walks back and forth, symbolising changing direction.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGING OPINIONS IS PHYSICAL OSCILLATION / LACK OF CONVICTION IS FLIMSY FOOTWEAR
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flip-flopper' MOST appropriately used?