flivver: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicInformal, Slang, Historical
Quick answer
What does “flivver” mean?
A small, cheap, old, or unreliable motor car.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, cheap, old, or unreliable motor car.
Any object or mechanical device which is cheaply made, unreliable, or considered a failure; a slang term for a cheap or unsuccessful thing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Overwhelmingly an American term. British speakers would likely not use it or might use it as an affectation referencing American culture.
Connotations
In American English: historical, humorous, sometimes nostalgic. In British English: recognized as American slang, often seen in period films or literature.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both regions. Its usage peaked in the 1910s-1930s.
Grammar
How to Use “flivver” in a Sentence
own a [flivver]drive a [flivver]refer to X as a [flivver]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flivver” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The entire project just flivvered out after the funding was cut. (rare/extended use)
American English
- The engine flivvered and died on the hill. (meaning: sputtered, failed)
adjective
British English
- He had a flivver business scheme that was doomed from the start. (rare)
American English
- We took a flivver ride through the countryside, holding on tight.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical/sociolinguistic contexts discussing early automobile culture.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary speech. Might be used jokingly by older generations.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flivver”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flivver”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flivver”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it to describe a modern car.
- Assuming it is a current, common term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic slang. It might be used humorously or self-consciously to evoke an earlier era.
Of uncertain origin, it emerged in American English around 1910. It may be imitative of a sputtering engine or related to the slang 'fliv' meaning to fail.
Yes, by extension, it can humorously refer to any poorly made or unsuccessful machine, plan, or object.
Yes, the inexpensive and ubiquitous Model T was a prime example of a car often called a flivver in its time, though the term was not exclusive to it.
A small, cheap, old, or unreliable motor car.
Flivver is usually informal, slang, historical in register.
Flivver: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflɪvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflɪvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's a real flivver of an idea. (extended metaphor for a failed plan)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a car that 'fizzles' and 'livers' (sputters to life) – a FLIVVER. Or: A car that gives you the 'flivvers' (an old slang for anxiety/jitters).
Conceptual Metaphor
A FAILED MACHINE is a FLIVVER (extended to ideas, plans, organizations).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'flivver' be MOST appropriate?