flip (flĭp)

v., flipped, flip·ping, flips.

v.tr.

1. To throw or toss with a light brisk motion: flipped me the ball; flipped his hair out of his eyes.
2. To toss in the air, imparting a spin: flip a coin.
3. 1. To turn over or around, especially with a light quick motion: flip over a card; flipped the tape to play the other side.
   2. To turn through; leaf: flipped the pages of the report.
4. To strike quickly or lightly; flick.
5. To move or act on with a quick motion: flip a switch; flipped open her briefcase.

v.intr.

1. To turn over: The canoe flipped over in the rapids.
2. To turn a somersault, especially in the air.
3. To move in twists and turns: fish flipping about in the net.
4. To move quickly and lightly; snap: The lid flipped open.
5. To leaf; browse: flipped through the catalogue.
6. Slang.
   1. To go crazy. Often used with out.
   2. To react strongly and especially enthusiastically: She flipped over the new car.

n.

1. The act of flipping, especially:
   1. A flick or tap.
   2. A short, quick movement: a flip of the wrist.
   3. A somersault.
2. Informal. A reversal; a flipflop.
3. A mixed drink made with any of various alcoholic beverages and often including beaten eggs.

adj. Informal, flip·per, flip·pest.
Marked by casual disrespect; impertinent: a flip answer to a serious question.

idiom:

flip (one's) lid Slang.

1. To react strongly, as with anger or enthusiasm.
2. To go crazy.

[Perhaps imitative.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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