flipper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; the core meaning is neutral. 'Property flipper' is business/informal slang. Informal British use for 'hand' is colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “flipper” mean?
A broad, flat limb adapted for swimming, as on seals, turtles, or penguins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A broad, flat limb adapted for swimming, as on seals, turtles, or penguins; a flat paddle-like device worn on the foot to aid swimming.
Also refers to a person or thing that flips, especially a specialist who buys, renovates, and sells properties quickly for profit (in property market slang). In informal British usage, it can refer to a hand.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British: 'Flippers' can colloquially mean 'hands' ('Keep your flippers off my chips!'). In property slang, the verb 'to flip' and agent noun 'flipper' are used in both varieties. The device for swimming is commonly called a 'flipper' in the UK, while 'fin' or 'swim fin' is more standard in US sports equipment contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, the informal 'hand' sense carries a slightly humorous, casual connotation. In property contexts, 'flipper' can carry connotations of opportunism, both positive (entrepreneurial) and negative (speculative).
Frequency
The core zoological/swimming meaning is of similar frequency. The informal 'hand' sense is low-frequency and distinctly British/Irish.
Grammar
How to Use “flipper” in a Sentence
have + flippers (The turtle has large flippers)wear + flippersuse + flippers + to + VERB (We used flippers to propel ourselves)flipper + of + ANIMAL (the flipper of a penguin)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Property flipper: 'She made a living as a flipper, buying old flats, renovating them, and selling within six months.'
Academic
In marine biology: 'The morphology of the sea turtle's flipper is adapted for long-distance migration.'
Everyday
At the beach or pool: 'Don't forget your mask, snorkel, and flippers.'
Technical
In scuba diving manuals: 'Ensure your flippers fit snugly without pinching.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flipper”
- Using 'flipper' to mean 'wing' (incorrect).
- Saying 'I forgot my flippers' when you mean 'I forgot my goggles' (different equipment).
- Using the property slang without context, causing confusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Competitive swimmers use 'fins' or 'training fins'. 'Flippers' is more common for recreational snorkelling or scuba.
Often yes, especially informally. However, 'fin' is more precise for fish and shark anatomy and for sports equipment. 'Flipper' is more specific to marine mammals, turtles, and swimming gear.
It can be neutral or negative depending on context. It suggests a fast, profit-driven transaction, which some view as entrepreneurial and others as contributing to housing market instability.
It is informal and somewhat old-fashioned or humorous. It's not used in formal writing. You might hear it in phrases like 'Get your flippers off that!' meaning 'Don't touch that!'
A broad, flat limb adapted for swimming, as on seals, turtles, or penguins.
Flipper is usually neutral to informal; the core meaning is neutral. 'property flipper' is business/informal slang. informal british use for 'hand' is colloquial. in register.
Flipper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflɪpə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get your flippers on! (UK, informal: hurry up)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a seal FLIPPING over in the water using its broad FLIPPERS.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOLS ARE LIMBS (swim fins are artificial flippers); QUICK TURNING IS FLIPPING (property).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flipper' likely to refer to a person?