< have your flag in portto experience the bleed period of the menstrual cycleUS , 1966.. < the flag is up; the red flag is up experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycleUS , 198
Trang 1of 23 bets consisting of four selectionsUK , 2001.5the grade ‘F’US ,
1968.6the ground floor of a tiered prison cellblockUS , 1992.7a
one-pound noteAUSTRALIA , 1989 < have the flags outto experience
the bleed period of the menstrual cycleAUSTRALIA , 1968 < have
your flag in portto experience the bleed period of the
menstrual cycleUS , 1966 < the flag is up; the red flag is up
experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycleUS , 1980
flagverb1to label or categorise someoneUS , 1992.2in the military,
to make an entry on a soldier’s record which will prevent further
promotionUS , 1970.3to give a student in college a notification of
academic deficiencyUS , 1968.4to display or wear prominently (a
handkerchief or other symbol of sexual taste)US , 1896.5to wear an
article of clothing signifying gang membershipUS , 1995.6to arrest
US , 1927.7to fail (a test or course)US , 1965.8to skip, as in missing a
classUS , 1997
flag countrynounin the US Navy, the area where an admiral works
US , 1991
flag daynounthe bleed period of the menstrual cycleUS , 1968
flag footballnouna friendly, non-competitive game of poker In the
US, flag football is played with a tame set of rules which forbid
most of the physical contact associated with the gameUS , 1996
flaggingadjectivesaid of a woman experiencing the bleed period of
her menstrual cycleUS , 1954
flag-offnouna commencementINDIA , 2004
flag offverbto start, to commence From the use of a flag to signal
the start of a raceINDIA , 2004
flagpolenounthe erect penis Especially in the phrase ‘properly
saluting the flagpole’ (oral sex)US , 1922
flag’s up!in circus and carnival usage, used for conveying that a
meal is readyUS , 1981
flag unfurlednounthe world Rhyming slang, replacing the earlier
sense (man of the world)UK , 1992
flag upverbto draw attention to, to advertiseUK , 2002
flag-wavernoun1a rousing, patriotic song or performanceUS , 1937.
2in horse racing, a horse that flicks its tail up and down while
racingUS , 1951
flahverbto have sexual intercourse The word appears to be most
commonly used in CorkIRELAND , 2003
flahulachadjectivegenerousIRELAND , 1967
flailverbto surf awkwardlyUS , 1990
flaknounabuse, criticism From the original sense (anti-aircraft fire)
US , 1963
flakenoun1cocaineUS , 1961.2the shavings off a solid mass of crack
cocaineUS , 1983.3an unreliable, unstable personUS , 1959.4the
planting of evidence on a suspected criminalUS , 1973.5in the
Maritime Provinces, a wooden rack for drying fishCANADA , 1963
flakeverb1to plant evidence on a suspected criminalUS , 1972.2to
fall asleep; to pass out Often used as the variant ‘flake out’US , 1955
flake artistnouna police officer inclined to plant evidence on a
suspected criminalUS , 1973
flakedadjectiveunconscious A shortening ofFLAKED OUT US, 1959
flaked outadjectiveexhausted, unconsciousUS , 1958
flake of cornnounan erection (of the penis) Rhyming slang for
HORN UK , 1992
flake offverbto go awayUS , 1957
flake off and die, dude!used as an all-purpose insultUS , 1988
flake outverbto collapseUK , 1942
flakersadjective1drunk to the point of passing outNEW ZEALAND , 1978.
2tired, exhaustedUK , 1987
flakienoun< take a flakie; throw a flakieto have a fit of
temper Glasgow slangUK: SCOTLAND , 1988
flak shacknouna military hospital or hospital ward where soldiers
suffering from war-related psychological problems are treatedUS ,
flak trapnouna tactic used by the North Vietnamese in which anti-aircraft fire is withheld from the area of a downed US anti-aircraft until the rescue aircraft get nearUS , 1955
flakyadjectiveinattentive, distracted, unreliable Partridge suggested a connection between the adjective and cocaine, which was ‘flaky’
in natureUS , 1959
flamnouna deceptive frontUK , 1632
flamverbto swindle, to fool, to deceiveUK , 1637
flamagenounincendiary rhetoric used in a computer posting or internet discussion groupUS , 1991
flamenoun1a cigarette lighterUS , 1994.2an insulting or aggressive e-mail or Internet discussion group posting The collective noun is
FLAMAGE US, 1983
flameverbto post insulting personal attacks on others posting messages on an Internet bulletin board or in an Internet discussion group, or to send an insulting personal attack by e-mail From an earlier sense of simply ‘insulting’, in the absence of any computer technologyUS , 1981
flamebaitnouna message posted in an Internet discussion group for the express purpose of soliciting insulting messagesUS , 1995
flame bathnounthe dropping of 55-gallon drums of combustible liquids from a utility helicopter, followed by flares that ignite the fuelUS , 1970
flame cookingnounthe process of smoking freebase cocaine by placing the pipe over a flame, 2002
flamefestnouna protracted exchange of insulting and inflammatory messages on an Internet discussion groupUS , 1995
flame-outnoun1in hot rodding and motor racing, a complete failure of the ignition system while the car is operatingUS , 1965.
2an empty petrol tankUS , 1960
flamernoun1a blatant and conspicuous homosexualUS , 1948.2an alcoholic drink which is set on fire in the glass (after the flames have been extinguished the fumes are inhaled before the drink is swallowed); an alcoholic drink which is set alight in the drinker’s mouth in the hope that swallowing puts the flame outUK , 2001.
3an Internet user who posts vitriolic, insulting messages in Internet discussion groupsUS , 1983.4a pistolUS , 1997
flamethrowernoun1in hot rodding and drag racing, an ignition system that has been greatly enhancedUS , 1958.2a diesel truck with flames showing on the smokestack from an incorrect fuel-to-air ratioUS , 1971.3a cigarette dressed with cocaine and heroinUK , 1998
flame warnouna virulent exchange of insulting messages in an Internet discussion groupUS , 1995
flamingadjective1(used of a homosexual) patently, obviouslyUS , 1941.
2used as an intensifierUK , 1895
flaming assholenouna truly despicable personUS , 1968
flaming coffinnicknamea DH-4 bomber aircraftUS , 1919
flaming endnouna remarkable and pleasing thing or personUK , 1983
flaming furynouna toilet built over a deep pit in the ground, the contents of which are periodically set alightAUSTRALIA , 1960
flaming hell!used for registering surprise, anger, amazement, etc A euphemism forFUCKING HELL!rather than a literal elaboration of
‘hell’UK , 1984
flaming Nora!used as a euphemistic replacement for ‘flaming
hell!’ Coined for the racial tension situation comedy Love Thy Neighbour, 1972–76 The Coronation Street character Jack
Duckworth, since 1979, also uses the television-friendly term, hence its wider currencyUK , 1979
flaming onionnicknamethe Ordnance Corps of the US Army From the flaming grenade insigniaUS , 1944
flaming piss potnicknamethe Ordnance Corps of the US Army From the flaming grenade insigniaUS , 1980
flaming welladverbdamned wellAUSTRALIA , 1955
Flanagan & Allen; flanagannoun a gallon (of motor fuel).
Trang 2Bud Flanagan, 1896–1968, and Chesney Allen, 1894–1982, who
worked together as a double act and as part of the Crazy GangUK ,
1992
flangenoun1the vaginaAUSTRALIA , 1996.2the outer lips of the vagina
AUSTRALIA , 1985
flangeverbto walk alongUK , 2002
flange-headnouna Chinese personUS , 1949
flangernounin target shooting, a shot that strikes outside a close
group of shots on the targetUS , 1957
flankernouna trick, a swindle, a doublecross Originally military;
usually as ‘do/play/pull/work a flanker’ UK , 1923
flannelnounempty and pretentious talkUK , 1927
flannelverbto flatter; to deceiveUK , 1941
flannelmouthnouna loudmouth; an insincere, silver-tongued talker
US , 1881
flannel-mouthedadjectivethick-tongued, especially as the result of
drinking to excessUS , 1973
flannel panelnounin a magazine, a list of who did what in that
editionUK , 2002
flannienouna flannelette shirtAUSTRALIA , 1996
flannonouna flannelette shirtAUSTRALIA , 1996
flannoadjectivemade from flanneletteAUSTRALIA , 1987
flapnoun1a disturbance or crisisUK , 1916.2the mouthAUSTRALIA , 1960.
3the ear As a plural it is often the nickname for men with large
earsUK , 1977.4strands of hair that a semi-bald man may cultivate
and style to lay over his naked pateUK , 1992.5a cheque
Underworld and prison useAUSTRALIA , 1955
flapverb1to be agitated; to panic, to ditherUK , 1912.2while surfing,
to make awkward flapping arm motions trying to gain your
balanceUS , 1991 < flap skinto have sexUS , 1990
flapdoodlenounnonsenseUK , 1833
flapjackedadjectivedrunkUS , 2002
flapjawnouna person who talks incessantlyUS , 1950
flappernoun1the penis in a flaccid stateUS , 1980.2the earUS , 1933.
3a radio antennaUS , 1976
flapper steaknouna pig’s ear sandwichUS , 1947
flapper tracknicknamean unofficial greyhound race track often
used so that dogs could get a ‘kill’ to sharpen their appetites
before an official raceIRELAND , 1977
flapping tracknouna small, unlicensed dog racing trackUK , 1977
flapsnoun1the female breastsUS , 1972.2the vaginal lips; the labia
majora or minora Although there is some evidence of ‘flap’
meaning ‘the vagina’ in C17, it is long obsolete; this sense is a
shortening of the synonymousPISS FLAPS UK, 2002 8see:FLAP
flarenouna type of scratch (a manipulation of a record to create a
musical effect) that cuts out the middle of a sample Named after
DJ Flare who invented the move in the late 1980sUS , 2002
flaredadjective1drunkCANADA , 1965.2angryUS , 1993
flare kickernounthe crew member who operates an airship’s flare
dispenserUS , 1997
flaresnounflared trousersUS , 1964
flashnoun1a sudden onset of drug-induced effectsUS , 1946.2LSD
US , 1994.3any central nervous system stimulantUK , 1983.4illicitly
distilled alcohol Used by British expatriates in Saudi ArabiaUK , 1981.
5a revelation; an epiphany; a satoriUS , 1924.6in a striptease show,
the stripper’s entrance onto the stageUS , 1945.7a large number of
small-denomination banknotes with a large-denomination note
showing, giving the impression of a great deal of moneyUK , 1996.
8inexpensive, showy jewelleryUS , 1927.9an inexpensive carnival
prize that is so appealing that people will spend great sums trying
to win itUS , 1927.10a suit of clothesUS , 1950.11the appearance of
wealth or successUS , 1975.12a know-all Used in borstals and
detention centresUK , 1978.13in horse racing, a last-minute change
in oddsUS , 1951 < bit of flashostentation, a superficial showUK ,
flashverb1to exhibit as naked a part or parts of the body that are usually clothedUK , 1893.2to show offUK , 1754.3to showUK , 1754.
4to display official credentialsUK , 1976.5while dealing blackjack in
a casino, to briefly and unintentionally expose the down cardUS ,
1980.6to display prizes in a carnival game in order to attract customersUS , 1966.7to vomitUS , 1968.8to vomit after injecting heroin or while withdrawing from heroin useUS , 1957.9to inhale glue or industrial solvents for the psychoactive effectUS , 1970.10to remember an event from the past in a sudden and powerful manner An abbreviation of ‘flashback’US , 1984.11to break light bulbs in their sockets, either as an act of vandalism or preparatory
to a crimeUS , 1953.12to commit a social gaffeUS , 1963 < flash a brownto drop your trousers and expose your buttocksNEW ZEALAND , 1998 < flash a jointto display prizes in a carnival game
US , 1968 < flash the ashused as a demand that someone offer a cigarette A variation ofCRASH THE ASH; probably arose in the 1950s but now rareUK , 1984 < flash the cashto spend some money;
to offer paymentUK , 1999 < flash the gallery; flash the range
in prison, to use a small mirror to watch out for approaching guards while conducting some prohibited activity in your cellUS ,
1981 < flash the hashto vomitUS , 1965 < flash your assto commit a social gaffeUS , 1968
flashadjective1ostentatious, showyUK , 1785.2impudent, cheekyUK , 1980
flashbacknouna relapse into a hallucinatory drug experience long after the effect of the drug has worn offUS , 1971
flash-bangnounan explosive device designed to deafen and blind without otherwise injuringUS , 1999
flash cashnouna large, ostentatious bankrollUS , 1979
flash clothnouncolourful draping used in a carnival concessionUS , 1985
flash doughnouncounterfeit moneyUS , 1949
flashernoun1a person with a psychopathological need to expose his or her genitalsUS , 1962.2a casino dealer who inadvertently reveals his down cardUS , 1991
flash floodnounin poker, a sudden sequence of good cardsUS , 1996
flash Harrynounan ostentatiously or expensively accoutred man The character of Flash Harry created by George Cole (b.1925) in
the St Trinians films (mid-1950s–mid-60s) is, perhaps, the most
widely known popular usage – adding a shading of criminality to the meaning; Sir Malcolm Sargent (1895–1967), a conductor noted for his elegance and showmanship, is remembered by the nickname Flash HarryUK , 1964
flash housenouna room, apartment or house where amphetamine addicts gather to inject the drugUS , 1970
flash mobnouna large crowd that materialises in a public place to perform a scripted action for several minutes before dissolvingUS , 2003
flash-mobverbto take part in a flash mobUK , 2004
flash mobbernouna participant in a flash mobUS , 2003
flash moneynounmoney, especially in a bankroll, intended for impressing, not spendingUS , 1970
flash onverbto think about with great intensity and focusUS , 1968
flash papernounpaper that dissolves completely and quickly when exposed to waterUS , 1973
flash rollnouna large number of small-denomination banknotes with a large-denomination note showing, giving the impression of
a great deal of moneyUS , 1987
flash trashnouna gaudy, cheap womanUS , 1992
flash upverbin circus and carnival usage, to add embellishments to
a piece of clothingUS , 1981
flatnoun1a flat area for spectators in the centre of a racecourse
AUSTRALIA , 1846.2in an illegal number gambling lottery, a bet that two digits will appear in the winning numberUS , 1949.3a police officer Probably a shortening ofFLATFOOT UK, 1966.4good quality tobacco, as opposed to prison issue tobaccoAUSTRALIA , 1902.5a case
of beer containing 24 bottlesCANADA , 2001.6a conventional,
law-.
Trang 3(underground) carriage that lends itself to graffiti artUS , 1997.8a
credit cardUK , 1977
Flatnounthe season of flat horse racingUK , 1937
flatadjective1without money, broke A shortening of ‘flat broke’US ,
1832.2(of a prison sentence) full, unqualifiedUS , 1972.3(used of a
bet) unvarying in amountUS , 1978 < that’s flat; and that’s flat
used for emphasis or for concluding a preceding remark An early
usage (late C16) can be found in act 1, scene 3 of Shakespeare’s
Henry IV Part 1 UK , 1598
flatadverbcompletelyUS , 1992
flat-assadverbabsolutelyUS , 1964
flat-ass calmnounin lobstering, the condition of the sea when
there are no waves and no windUS , 1978
flat-backverbto engage in prostitution From the image of a
prostitute having sex lying on her backUS , 1967
flat-back; flat-bottomadjectivepossessing modest buttocksTRINIDAD
AND TOBAGO , 1971
flatbackernouna prostitute of an undiscerning natureUS , 1969
flat blue; flat; blue flatnouna tablet of LSDUS , 1971
flatcatchernounin horse racing, a horse that looks the part but
evades actual achievementUK , 1948
flat-chatadverbas fast as one can goAUSTRALIA , 1981
flat chunksnouna combination of crack cocaine and benzocaine
UK , 1998
flat dognounbolognaUS , 1990
flatfootnouna police officer, especially one assigned on foot patrol
US , 1912
flatfootverbto walkUS , 1974
flatfootedadjectiveunprepared, unready, not ‘on your toes’US , 1908
flat fucknounsex without loss of semenUS , 1982
flat-hatverbto fly very close to the ground at a high speedUS , 1939
flat joint; flat storenounan illegal gambling operation where
players are cheated as a matter of courseUS , 1914
flatkeynouna fifty-five mile an hour speed limit A term borrowed
from shortwave radio users (to depress the transmit switch) by
citizens’ band radio users, and then applied to the nearly universal
road speed limit implemented in the US after the oil embargo of
the early 1970sUS , 1976
flatlineverbto die An allusion to the flat line on a medical
moni-toring device that indicates deathUS , 1981
flatlinernoun1a dead person; a dead thing FromFLATLINE(to die)
Flatliners is a 1990 film by Joel Schumacher in which five medical
students experiment with the line between life and deathUS , 1998.
2a mobile phone user who allows the phone’s batteries to run
down A Manchester youth usage, from the sense ‘a dead person’,
possibly, here, specificially ‘brain dead’UK , 2003.3in poker, an
unskilled and uninspired player The moral equivalent of ‘brain
dead’US , 1996.44-methylthioamphetamine, the recreational drug
best known as 4-MTAUK , 2004
flat-outadjectiveabsolute, completeUS , 1959
flat outadverbas fast as possibleAUSTRALIA , 1941
flat out like a lizard drinkingadjectivegoing or working as fast as
possibleAUSTRALIA , 1935
flat passernounshaved dice used in cheating schemesUS , 1997
flatroofernounin the Maritime Provinces, a fishing boat with a
reduced sailing rig for winterCANADA , 1955
flatsnoun1the lowest tier of cells in a prisonUS , 1976.2dice, the
surfaces of which have been altered for cheatingUS , 1950
flat-spotverb(used of a car for sale) to remain in one spot without
being driven or even movedUS , 1992
flat-stickadjectivevery busy; at top speedNEW ZEALAND , 1972
flat-strapadverbas fast as possibleAUSTRALIA , 2001
flatten out to serve a prison sentence completely
flattienoun1a flat tyreAUSTRALIA , 1971.2a flat-heeled shoe, as distinguished from the high-heeled variety Also as variant ‘flat’UK , 1959
flat tirenoun1a shoe that has been forced off a person’s heel by someone walking behind themUS , 2003.2a sagging breastUS , 1997
flattopnounan aircraft carrierUS , 1942
flattynoun1a member of an audience Gently derogatory; extended
by circus showmen from the (probably) now obsolete sense ‘a rustic, an unitiated person’, first recorded in 1859UK , 1933.2a person who works in a flat joint (an illegal gambling operation where players are cheated as a matter of course)US , 1981.3a uniformed police officer or a plain-clothes officer who is recognisable as a foot-patrol officer A variation ofFLATFOOT US, 1866.
4a flat-bottomed boatAUSTRALIA , 1934.5a flathead fishAUSTRALIA , 1962
flat wheelnouna person with a limpUS , 1977
flatworkernouna burglar who specialises in flats (apartments)UK , 1996
flavanounstyle, especially when unique Also with more conventionally spelt variants, ‘flavor’ and ‘flavour’US , 1982
flavournoun1in computing, a type or varietyUS , 1983.2cocaineUS , 1995
flavourfuladjectivein computing, pleasingUS , 1991
flavour of the monthnounthe latest, short-lived trend or fashion
or relationship Derisive, even contemptuous; originally conceived
as a marketing strategy for ice-creamUS , 1946
flavour of the weeknounthe latest, short-lived trend or fashion or relationshipUS , 2001
flawlessadjective1flawedUS , 1982.2handsomeUS , 1972
fleanoun1someone who has refused to pay a debtAUSTRALIA , 1989.
2in American casinos, a gambler who places very small betsUS ,
1985.3in the car sales business, a customer determined to spend a small amount of money but buy an excellent carUS , 1953.4in a hospital, an internistUS , 1994
flea and lousenoun1a house, especially one that is run down or unsalubrious Rhyming slangUK , 1859.2a brothel, a whore house Rhyming slangUK , 2003
fleabagnoun1a low-cost, run-down motel, room, boarding house or apartmentUS , 1924.2a person dressed in old or dirty clothes; a smelly personUK , 2003.3a drug userCANADA , 1994.4a dishonest, disreputable carnivalUS , 1980
fleabagverbto nag Rhyming slangUK , 1992
fleapitnouna shabby cinemaUK , 1937
flea powdernounweak and/or diluted heroinUS , 1956
fleas and itchesnounmotion pictures Rhyming slangAUSTRALIA , 1967
fleas and licenounice Rhyming slangUK , 1992
flea tracknouna parting in the hairNEW ZEALAND , 1998
flea trapnounan inexpensive, shoddy hotel or boarding houseUS , 1942
fleder dedernouna handicapJAMAICA , 2002
Flemington confettinounnonsense A probable play onBULLSHIT; after the Flemington stockyardsAUSTRALIA , 1941
fleshnounan actor who appears on stageUS , 1981
fleshadjectivein the music industry, appearing and performing live
US , 1948
flesh agentnouna talent agentUS , 1986
flesh-coloured highlightsnounbaldness JocularUK , 2001
flesh marketnounan area where prostitution and other sex businesses thriveUS , 1987
fleshmeetnoun a meeting in the flesh of on-line correspondents US , 1996
flesh peddlernounan entertainer’s business manager or agentUS , 1935
flesh pitnouna bar or nightclub where people come in search of sexual partners
Trang 4fleshpotnouna brothelUS , 1950
flesh torpedonounthe erect penisUK , 2003
fleshy flutenounthe penis Especially in the phrase ‘playing a tune
on the fleshy flute’ (oral sex)US , 2001
flexnouncocaineUK , 2003
flexverb1to insult someone, to annoy, to frustrateUK , 2004.2to
display power by a show of strength From ‘to flex your muscles’
US , 1993.3to leaveUS , 1993
flexadjectiveflexibleUS , 1992
flexi-flyernounin drag racing, a racing car with a long wheelbase
with built-in flexibility to keep the wheels on the tracksUS , 1968
flicknoun1a filmUK , 1926.2a photographUS , 1962.3rejection;
dismissal Short forFLICK PASS AUSTRALIA, 1982
flickverb1to rejectAUSTRALIA , 1988.2to turn back or alter a car’s
mileometer (odometer) to increase resale valueNEW ZEALAND , 1991.
< flick someone’s switchto sexually excite someone A play
onTURN ON(to thrill)UK , 2003 < flick your bean(of a woman) to
masturbate Fairly conventional use of ‘flick’ (to move with the
fingers) applied toBEAN(the clitoris)UK , 2001 < flick your Bicin
trucking, to tap your brakes at night signalling to another driver A
borrowing from advertising for Bic™ cigarette lightersUS , 1976.
< flick your wickto speed up, to hurry upNEW ZEALAND , 2002.
< flick yourself offof a woman, to masturbate From the small
movements necessary to manipulate the clitorisUK , 2005
flickernouna filmUS , 1926
flick passnounrejection; dismissal Rhyming slang for arse A ‘flick
pass’ is a type of open-handed pass made in Australian Rules
footballAUSTRALIA , 1983
flicksnounthe cinemaUK , 1927
flidnounused as term of playground abuse Derives from
thalidomide, pronounced ‘flidomide’UK , 1980
fliernoun1in sports, a very fast start; in cricket, a swift rate of
scoring at the beginning of a match A shortening of conventional
‘flying start’, usually in the phrase ‘off to a flier’UK , 1984.2in target
shooting, a shot that strikes outside a close group of shots on the
targetUS , 1957.3a prisoner who commits suicide by jumping or is
murdered by being thrown from the top tier of a prisonUS , 1942.
< take a flierto leaveUS , 1914
fliesnoun< and no fliesas an exhortation to believe the
statement to which it is appendedUK , 1846 < no flies on
someonenothing at all wrong or amiss with someoneAUSTRALIA ,
1845
flight attendantnouna security guard at a rock concert, usually
large and muscular, stationed at the barricades near the stageUS ,
1997
flight decknounthe female breastsUK , 1981
flightienouna person who has relocated to the Highlands of
Scotland from the urban realities of England in search of a rural
dream Derogatory Probably from the verb ‘to take flight’UK:
SCOTLAND , 2004
flight lieutenant Bigglesnoungiggles Rhyming slang, based
(although wrongly ranked) on the flying-ace hero created by W.E
Johns in 1932UK , 2002
flight lustrenouna mythical substance for which new recruits in
the Canadian Air Force are sent to searchCANADA , 1995
flight skinsnounmilitary flight payUS , 1945
flight timenounin motor racing, the elapsed time a car
unintentionally spends in the air, usually upside down Grim
humourUS , 1980
fliknouna song from which the lyrics have been changed for
humorous consumption by science fiction fansUS , 1991
flimnouna five pound note; the sum of £5 Originally an
abbrevi-ation of ‘flimsy’, adjective and obsolete noun use for the early,
large white banknotesUK , 1870
flimflamnoun1nonsense, pretentious or deceptive nonsense In
conventional use until late C19 . a swindle involving a
supposedly lost wallet supposedly found on the ground near the victimUS , 1960
flimflamverbto shortchange, to swindleUS , 1881
flimflam mannouna confidence swindlerUS , 1970
flimflammernouna swindler who engages in the flimflam swindle (a swindle involving a supposedly lost wallet supposedly found on the ground near the victim)US , 1960
flimpverbto cheat, to swindle; in betting, to underpay or offer bets
at below the odds From an earlier sense of ‘theft by snatching’;
ultimately from west Flemish flimpe (knock, slap in the face) UK , 1925
flimsynounany order written on thin, onion skin paper The orders were written on ‘flimsy’ paper, hence the nominalisation of the adjectiveUK , 1889
flingnouna limited period devoted to self-indulgent pleasures, especially sexual; a short-lived sexual liaisonUK , 1827
flingverb< fling a dummyto die suddenlyUK , 1981 < fling baby
to undergo an abortionTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003
flingernoun1an impulsive poker player who is inclined to raise bets without regard to the quality of his handUS , 1988.2in target shooting, a shot that strikes outside a close group of shots on the targetUS , 1957
fling-wingnouna helicopterUS , 1991
Flintstonesnickname1the UK armed forces The cartoon television
series The Flintstones depicted a stone-age world in which C20
technology is comically replaced by prehistoric ingenuity As a nickname used by the US military it reflects the outdated
‘prehistoric’ equipment and shortages of everyday supplies that force the UK forces to improvise and scroungeUS , 2003.2a variety
of LSD Identified by a picture of the cartoon characters the Flintstones, created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1966; sometimes shortened to ‘flints’UK , 1996
flipnoun1a condition of mental instabilityUS , 1953.2a person who has lost touch with realityUS , 1952.3an LSD experienceUS , 1992.4in trucking, a return tripUS , 1976.5a male homosexual who plays the passive role in sexUS , 1992.6a police informerUS , 1967
Flipnouna FilipinoUS , 1931
flipverb1to become very angry or agitated; to go temporarily crazy
US , 1950.2to become enthusiastic and excitedUS , 1950.3to induce a betrayalUS , 1980.4to betray; to inform onUS , 1960.5to gesture As used inFLIP THE BIRD(to raise the middle finger)UK , 1992.6on the railways, to step aboard a moving trainUS , 1977 < flip a bitchto make a u-turnUS , 2000 < flip a trick(of a prostitute) to have sex with a customer Far less common than to ‘turn’ aTRICK US, 1979.
< flip the birdto gesture in derision with a raised middle finger
US , 1968 < flip the bishop(of a male) to masturbate Plays on
FLIPas euphemisticFUCKand, conventionally, as a ‘manipulation’
A variation ofBASH THE BISHOP(to masturbate)UK , 2005 < flip the boneto extend the middle finger in a rude gesture of defianceUS ,
1957 < flip the gripto shake handsUS , 1945 < flip the lipto talkUS , 1947 < flip your gutto evoke sympathy or sadnessUS ,
1997 < flip your lid; flipflop your lidto lose emotional control
US , 1961 < flip your stickto move your penis during an all-cavity strip searchUS , 2002 < flip your wigto lose your mental composureUS , 1959
flipadjectivepleasant, fashionable, popularUS , 1955
flipeuphemistic replacement for some noun and most verb senses
of ‘fuck’UK , 1956
flip actnounfeigned insanityUS , 1967
flipflapnounin circus usage, a back handspringUS , 1981
flipflopnoun1a sandal that is not bound to the foot, usually worn around a swimming pool From the sound made when walking on concreteUS , 1970.2a return journeyUS , 1976.3a traffic lane designed for turning around Detroit usageUS , 1997
flip-flopverb1to change positions on a political issue or issues in response to changing public opinionUS , 1965.2(used of two homo-sexuals) to reverse sexual roles after sexual satisfaction is achieved
by the active partner . to have sex with both men and
Trang 5womenUS , 1992.4(used of two homosexuals) a reversal of sexual
rolesUS , 1972
flip-floppingnounchanging positions on an issue or issuesUS , 1976
flip off!go away!; used as a euphemistic replacement for ‘fuck off!’
UK , 1956
flippedadjectivesmart, attractiveUS , 1955
flippernoun1the handUK , 1812.2to a lineman in American football,
the forearmUS , 1967.3the earUS , 1905.4a temporary partial denture
used to mask the absence of a single tooth or several teeth,
especially with child actors Technically known as a ‘stayplate’, it
flips in and out of the child’s mouthUS , 1999.5a friendUK , 1970.6a
criminal who informs on friends and associates to reduce his own
sentence or to completely avoid chargesUS , 1997.7in the television
and film industries, a section of set that can be easily replacedUK ,
1960.8the game of pinballUS , 1974.9in hot rodding, a hubcapUS ,
1958.10a turn signal in a truck or carUS , 1976
flippersnounanchoviesUS , 1996
flippingadjectiveused as an intensifier Since about 1940 the
commonest of all euphemisms forFUCKINGin the UK, as in the
common exclamation of disgust ‘Flipping ’eck!’ (fucking hell!),
often used unwitting of the term it disguisesUK , 1911
flippyadjectiveeccentric, crazyUS , 1965
flip-sidenoun1the reverse side of a vinyl record From the action
of flipping the disc overUS , 1949.2the opposite of something A
figurative application of the earlier sense as ‘the reverse side of a
record’US , 1967 < on the flip-sidelater onUS , 2002
flip topnoun1the top of a canned food or beverage that peels
open without resort to an opening deviceUS , 1955.2a truck cab
that tilts up to expose the engineUS , 1971
flip-wrecknouna habitual masturbator Referring to the supposed
damaging effects of masturbationAUSTRALIA , 1950
flitnoun1an effeminate homosexual maleUS , 1935.2a discreet and
hurried departure to avoid debts Probably fromMOONLIGHT FLIT UK,
1952.3any insecticide in a spray can A generic use, from the trade
name of an insecticideTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1993
flittersnountattersIRELAND , 1989
flivverbin circus and carnival usage, to fail or to perform poorlyUS ,
1917
flivvernounan old, worn car, especially a Ford car The term was, by
the early 1980s, chiefly associated with the early model Ford cars,
and had thus become historicalUS , 1910
flixnounphotographs Possibly a variation ofFLICKS(the cinema)US ,
2002
flixyadjectiveeasyFIJI , 1994
FLKnoun a strange-looking child; a funny-looking kid British medical
slangUS , 1961
flonoun1a variety of marijuana, 2001.2a young personCANADA , 1991
floatnoun1a customer’s down payment, treated by the salesman
collecting it as a short-term loanUS , 1980.2a tyreUS , 1976.3military
duty on board a ship Vietnam war US Marines usageUS , 1991
floatverb1in the gambling game two-up, to toss the coins so that
they only give the appearance of spinningAUSTRALIA , 1945.2to eat
after extensive drinkingUK , 1983 < float a logto defecateUK , 1985.
< float a sausage to the seasideto defecate into a sewage
system The phrase may have originated in the comic Viz UK , 2002.
< float diceto drop dice suspected of having been weighted
into a glass of water to see if they roll over on one sideUS , 1997.
< float someone’s boatto please someone; to make someone
happyUS , 1984 < float the gearsto shift gears without using the
clutchUS , 1976
floaternoun1a corpse found floating in a body of waterUS , 1890.2a
particle of food floating in a bottled drink (having been washed
into the bottle as it was being drunk from)UK: SCOTLAND , 1988.3in
circus and carnival usage, a slice of imitation fruit floating on the
top of imitation fruit juiceUS , 1981.4a meat pie served with pea
gravyAUSTRALIA , 1915.5the recreational drug methaqualone, best
known as Quaaludes™US , 1997.6a person who is temporarily
assigned to one job or another™ . a migratory worker
1859.8a person who is a poor credit risk because of constantly changing employmentUS , 1975.9an early release from jail, usually with an order to leave town immediatelyUS , 1914.10a river-rafting enthusiastUS , 1997.11in the language of wind surfing, a sailboard that can support the weight of a person in the waterUS , 1985.12a big, buoyant surfboardUS , 1964.13a pinball machine which is nearly level, lacking the playfield pitch needed for a good game The fact that the playfield is nearly level makes it seem as if the ball floats on the playfieldUS , 1977.14in the gambling game
two-up, a coin which does not spin properly and so is illegalAUSTRALIA ,
1944.15in the television and film industries, a section of set that can be easily replacedUK , 1960.16a mistakeUK , 1913
floatiesnoun(used by surfers) faeces floating in the seaUS , 1991
floatingadjective1moving; not settled in a definite place Almost always applied to an illegal crap game that moves from location to locationUS , 1951.2drunk or marijuana-intoxicatedUS , 1938
floating chromenouna commerical truck embellished with a lot of extra chromeUS , 1971
floating shotgunnouna rocket-armed landing craft Korean war usageUS , 1982
float-outnouna jail sentence suspended contingent upon the criminal leaving townUS , 1968
floatsnoundice that have been hollowed out to affect their balance Because most dice used in casinos are now transparent, the practice and term are almost obsoleteUS , 1950
flobverbto spit Noted at a time when punks showed appreciation
of their musical heroes by expectorating at the stageUK , 1977
flocknouna group of unskilled poker playersUS , 1996
flockatoonnounin Quebec’s Gaspe area, an event at which people get happily drunkCANADA , 1992
flognoun1a prostituteAUSTRALIA , 1967.2an act of male masturbation
AUSTRALIA , 1985
flogverb1to endorse, to promote, to sellUK , 1925.2to sell, especially illicitlyUK , 1925.3to stealAUSTRALIA , 1962.4to go with much effortUK ,
1925.5to have sexBAHAMAS , 1982.6in drag racing, hot rodding and motor racing, to push the car to its limit or beyondUS , 1993.
< flog a dead horseto work hard to little or no purposeUK ,
1872 < flog the bishop(of a male) to masturbate A variation on
BASH THE BISHOP(to masturbate) using conventional ‘flog’ (to beat); note the synonymous ‘flog your donkey’ and ‘flog your mutton’ were coined at around the same timeUS , 1999 < flog the infidel
(of a male) to masturbateUS , 2001 < flog your chopsto wear yourself outAUSTRALIA , 1968 < flog your dong(used of a male) to masturbateUS , 1994 < flog your dummy(used of a male) to masturbateUS , 1922 < flog your guts outto wear yourself out
UK , 1959
floggedadjectivedrug-intoxicatedUS , 1949
floggingadjectivedamned Used as an intensifier A euphemism for
FUCKING AUSTRALIA, 1955
flog offverbto leaveNEW ZEALAND , 1998
flog onverbto surf the Internet for masturbatory inspiration Puns
‘flog’, the root verb of many terms for masturbation, with ‘log on’,
IT jargon for connecting to the InternetNEW ZEALAND , 2002
flo is coming to townused as a code phrase for the bleed period
of the menstrual cycleUS , 2002
Flo JonicknameFlorence Griffith Joyner (1959–1998), a sprinter whose style and speed dominated the 1988 OlympicsUS , 1988
floodverb1to experience the bleed period of the menstrual cycle, used especially of a heavy flowUS , 1942.2(used of professional wrestlers) to rush into the ring or arena in large numbersUS , 1992.
3to wear trousers that don’t reach the shoesUS , 1998
floodgatesnoun< floodgates open upthe bleed period of the menstrual cycle commencesUS , 2001
floodsnounlong trousers that are too short or shorts that are too longUS , 1982
flooeyadverbawryUS , 1905
flookumnounin circus and carnival usage, an artificially flavoured
Trang 6floornounused as a figurative or notional description of the place
where out-of-work workers wait for a job referral at a union hiring
hallUS , 1992 < on the floorpoor Rhyming slang; also serves as a
metaphorUK , 1960 < take off the floorto remove a prostitute
from service in a brothelUS , 1978
floorverb1to confound, to puzzleUK , 1830.2to push a vehicle’s
accelerator to the floorboardUS , 1953
floor boxnounin hot rodding, a car with a manual transmissionUS ,
1960
floorburnersnounshoesUS , 1972
floor lampnouna woman actor with good looks but not blessed
with acting abilityUS , 1973
floor linernounthe vagina Rhyming slangUK , 2003
floor-popnounin the car sales business, a customer who walks into
the showroomUS , 1966
floor whorenounan aggressive retail salespersonUS , 2001
floor worknounin a strip or sex show, movements made on the
floor simulating sexual intercourse, offering strategic and gripping
views as the dancer moves her legsUS , 1965
floozenouna woman or girlUS , 1952
floozie; floozy; floosie; floosynouna woman, especially one with
few sexual inhibitions; a prostituteUS , 1902
flopnoun1a place to spend the nightUS , 1910.2a house or garage
where criminals escaping from the scene of a crime can safely
hide themselves or store weapons, tools and stolen property, thus
leaving their own homes uncompromisedUK , 1977.3a drunk
sleeping in publicUS , 1949.4a complete, dismal failureUS , 1919.5a
demotionUS , 1973.6the denial of a release on parole by a prison
parole boardUS , 1944.7an arrest, conviction and/or imposition of a
prison sentenceUS , 1904.8in hold ’em poker, the first three cards
dealt face-up in the centre of the tableUS , 1990.9in a dice game, a
roll of the diceUS , 1962.10the earUS , 1945
flopverb1to reside temporarily; to stay overnightUS , 1907.2to go to
sleepUK , 1936.3to fail completelyUS , 1900.4in police work, to
demote in rank or assignmentUS , 1970.5in bar dice games, to
shake the dice in the dice cup and then roll them onto a surface
US , 1971
flop boxnouna hotel room, a bedroom, lodgings A variation of
FLOP(a place to sleep)US , 1976
flophousenoun1an inexpensive, shoddy, tattered, dirty place to
stay, catering to transientsUS , 1909.2a brakevan (caboose)US , 1977
flop jointnouna flophouseUS , 1928
flop onnounthe penis that has become flaccid when an erection is
to be preferredUK , 2003
floppernoun1the armUS , 1945.2a person who feigns having been
struck by a car in hope of collecting insurance payments from the
driverUS , 1982.3a modified stock car in which the entire fibreglass
body lifts from the front to gain access to the engine and driver
seatUS , 1993
flopperoonouna failureUS , 1931
flopper-stoppernouna brassiere JocularAUSTRALIA , 1984
floppingadjectivedamned Used as an intensifier A euphemism for
FUCKING AUSTRALIA, 1969
floppynouna black person An insulting term that is likely to have
been military slang in RhodesiaSOUTH AFRICA , 1978
flop sweatnouna panic associated with the possibility of failure,
whether or not actual perspiration is involvedUS , 1966
floptripsnounin a game of on-line poker, a three-of-a-kind after the
flop (the initial deal of three cards), 2003
Florida Hiltonnicknamethe federal prison camp at Eglin Air Force
Base, Eglin, FloridaUS , 1974
Florida snownouncocaineUS , 1994
flossnoun1cotton candy The spun sugar is known as ‘candy floss’
in the UK but not known as such in the US, making what would
be a simple UK abbreviated form to be a piece of slang in the US
.
flossverb1to behave with ostentatious style and flairUS , 2002.2to show offUS , 1999.3to wear expensive clothes and jewels Used by urban black youthsUK , 2004
flossienouna homosexual maleUK , 1974
flossingadjectiveexcellentUS , 2001
flossyadjective1in circus and carnival usage, showyUS , 1895.
2excellentUS , 2004
flotsamnounnew or unskilled surfers in the waterBARBADOS , 1977
flottynouna hat that, by the inclusion of a little cork in a zippered pocket, is designed to floatSOUTH AFRICA , 2000
floundernouna native of NewfoundlandUS , 1949
flounder and dabnouna taxi Rhyming slang for ‘taxi-cab’; gener-ally abbreviated to ‘flounder’UK , 1865
flour mixernoun1a Gentile woman Rhyming slang for ‘shixa’ (SHIKSE); employed by Jewish CockneysUK , 1961.2a female shop assistant or domestic worker A nuance of the rhyming slang for a
‘Gentile woman’UK , 1977.3an inoffensive man, especially one who
is a clerk Extended from the previous senses which are specifically
of a woman.UK , 1977
flownoun1the style in which a rap artist creates lyrics and/or performs ‘Flow’ is a term used to express a quality of
convention-al poetryUS , 1995.2money An abbreviation of the conventional
‘cash flow’US , 1997
flowernoun1a male homosexualUS , 1949.2marijuanaUK , 1998.3in poker, a hand made up of cards of the same suit Conventionally known as a ‘flush’US , 1988
flower-bedverbto drive a truck with the right wheels on the hard shoulder of the road, kicking up dustUS , 1969
flower childnouna participant in a 1960s youth movement promoting peace and love Flower children used marijuana (FLOWER) and other drugs as an expression of their culture, and
distributed ordinary flowers as symbols of their beliefs In its first usage ‘flower children’ meant ‘marijuana users’; the media adopted the more openly cultivated flowers as the image to sellUS , 1967
flowered upadjectiveintoxicated on drugs, especially marijuana, possibly MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 1999
flower flippingnounMDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 2003
flower keynounin computing, the comma key on a Macintosh computerUS , 1991
flower patchnouna woman’s vulva and pubic hairUS , 1986
flower potnoun1an inexpensive, poorly made helmet Biker (motorcyle) usageUS , 2001.2a cot Rhyming slangUK , 1992.3in electric line work, a pad-mount transformerUS , 1980
flower potadjective hot, especially in the context of a hot (severe)
reprimand Rhyming slangUK , 1992
flower powernounthe amorphous creed or philosophy of the hippie movement, based on drugs, sex, music, non-violence and a rejection of all things materialUS , 1967
flower-power suitnouna camouflaged combat-suit An army term
‘Make love not war’ shot through with ironyUK , 1984
flowers; monthly flowersnounthe bleed period of the menstrual
cycle From Latin fluor (to flow) via French fleurs (flowers); in
con-ventional usage from C15 to mid-C19UK , 2002
flowers and frolicsnounthe testicles Rhyming slang forBOLLOCKS
recorded as Anglo-IrishUK , 1960
flower signnoun fresh flowers by a hospital patient’s bed seen by medical staff as a sign that the patient has a supportive family UK , 2002
flowers of springnounused condoms in a sewage systemUS , 1973
flower topsnounmarijuana From the most potent part of the plant
Trang 7flowery dell; flowerynoun1a room, lodgings, accommodation.
Rhyming slang for ‘cell’UK , 2002.2a prison cell Rhyming slangUK ,
1925
flox; floxynouna homosexual man A variation of ‘moxy’UK , 2003
floxennouna group of homosexual men The plural of ‘flox’,
recorded in contemporary gay usageUK , 2003
flu; ’flunouninfluenza A colloquial shorteningUK , 1839
flubverbto botchUS , 1916 < flub the dubto masturbateUS , 1922
flubadubnoun a fool From the name of a puppet on the Howdy
Doody Show US , 1975
flube tubenouna cardboard tube filled with scented cloth that
masks the smell of exhaled marijuana smokeUS , 2003
fluenoun1a roomUS , 1972.2a confidence swindle involving money
in an envelope; the envelope used in the swindleUS , 1969.3a
prison warder Rhyming slang forSCREW(a prison warder) UK , 1996.
4the stomachUS , 1946
flueyadjectivecharacteristic of, or characterised by, influenzaUK , 1969
fluffnoun1a woman, especially an attractive woman of no further
consequence than her sexual availability Usually used with ‘a bit
of’ or ‘a piece of’ Combines the sense as ‘pubic hair’, with an
image of ‘fluff’ as something of no consequence Not kindUK , 1903.
2the female pubic hair An otherwise obsolete usage that survives
in the termBIT OF FLUFF UK, 1937.3an effeminate lesbianUS , 1972.
4to a homosexual who practises sado-masochism, a homosexual
of simpler tastesUS , 1985.5a mistake in the delivery of theatrical
lines, also in broadcasting; a minor mistake when playing music
Originally ‘lines imperfectly learned’UK , 1891.6in the television and
film industries, a flubbed line of dialogueUK , 1960
fluffverb1to perform oral sex on a male pornography performer
who is about to be filmed so that he will enter the scene with a
full erectionUS , 1977.2to make a mistake in a theatrical
perform-ance, such as by mispronouncing or muddling words; likewise in
broadcasting; also in musical performance, by playing the wrong
note, etcUK , 1884.3to fart Juvenile origins in New Zealand
schoolboy ‘fluffing contests’ and US ‘laying a fluffy’ Possibly from
UK dialect fluff (a slight explosion), or ‘fluff’ (a mistake) UK usage
is nursery and childishNEW ZEALAND , 1944.4to ignore; to discardUS ,
1959.5to fail (an examination)US , 1955
fluff and buffnouna fluff-dried battle dress utility uniform with
buff-polished boots, the standard uniform of the US AirborneUS ,
1988
fluffedadjective1drunkUS , 1904.2cocaine-intoxicated A new use for
the previous senseUK , 1999
fluffernounin the making of a pornographic film, a person
employed to bring the on-camera male performers to a state of
sexual readiness Extension of the conventional sense of ‘fluff’ (to
make fuller or plumper)US , 1977
fluff girlnouna flufferUS , 1991
fluffie; fluffynounan anti-globalisation activist with a belief in
peaceful protestUK , 2001
fluff offverb1to dismiss, to rejectUS , 1944.2to evade work or duty
US , 1962
fluff stuff; fluffy stuffnounsnowUS , 1976
fluffyadjective1light-hearted, non-seriousUK , 2001.2in the theatre,
unsure of your linesUK , 1952
fluidnounwhiskyUS , 1843
fluids and electrolytes conferencenounused in a hospital as
humorous code for a drinking party to be held on hospital
groundsUS , 1989
flukenouna stroke of luck, an accident In the game of billiards a
‘fluke’ is a ‘lucky shot’UK , 1857
flukeverbto do a thing well by accidentUK , 1860
fluked outadjectivedrug-intoxicatedUS , 1952
fluke out to become drug-intoxicated
fluking ironnounin fencing, an épée A derisory term, suggesting thatFLUKE(luck) rather than skill is required when engaging with such weaponsUK , 1988
fluky; flukeyadjectivemore by luck than designAUSTRALIA , 1867
flummoxverbto perplex, to confuseUS , 1834
flummy dummnounin Newfoundland, a hunters’ and trappers’ breadCANADA , 1988
flunknouna locked and fortified compartment within a safeUS , 1928
flunkverbto completely and irrevocably fail an examinationUS , 1837
flunkey and lackeynouna Pakistani; any Asian or Afro-Asian immigrant; loosely, any native of the Indian subcontinent Rhyming slang forPAKI UK, 1992
flunk outverbto leave an educational establishment as a result of failing your examinationsUS , 1920
flunkynouna person assigned to assist or perform menial jobs In the US, originally a work camp waiter or assistant cook, and usually not quite as harsh as Partridge’s ‘parasite’ or ‘toady’UK , 1855
flunkyverbto work as a low-level assistantUS , 1968
flurrynouna flourishBARBADOS , 1965
flushverb1to draw blood back into a syringe Drug users’ termUK ,
1978.2to leave workUS , 1991.3to fail (a test or course)US , 1964.
< flush the johnin a casino, to play slot machinesUS , 1979
flushadjectivehaving plenty of money, especially as an exception to the ruleUK , 1603
flush bucketnounin motor racing, a carburettor that feeds the engine more of the air/fuel mixture than it can useUS , 1993
flutenoun1the penis Plays on the shape, informed by oral sex Variations include ‘flesh flute’, ‘living flute’,ONE-HOLED FLUTE, SILENT FLUTE, SKIN FLUTE; alsoPINK OBOE; the sense compares with Romany
haboia (a hautboy, an early oboe) There are arguable examples in
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1600 (or earlier) and Anthony and Cleopatra, 1606–7 of Shakespeare punning on ‘flute’ as ‘penis’ In
more general usage in the C18UK , 1671.2a soda bottle filled with alcoholic drinkUS , 1971.3a car radio From the language of car salesNEW ZEALAND , 1998
flute aroundverbto waste time, to be unresolved in actionIRELAND , 1996
flute playernouna person who performs oral sex on a manUS , 1916
fluternouna male homosexualUS , 1962
flutheredadjectivecompletely drunkIRELAND , 1992
flutternouna small bet Originally meant ‘a good try’UK , 1874
flutter bumnouna good-looking and popular boy Teen slangUS , 1955
flutter-fingernounin the usage of youthful model road racers (slot car racers), a person who fluctuates speed constantlyUS , 1997
flynounan attempt; a try Usually in the phrase ‘give something a fly’AUSTRALIA , 1915 < on the flyon the railways, said of a moving train that is boardedUS , 1977
flyverb1to act cautiouslyUS , 1965.2to sneak a lookJAMAICA , 2003.
< be flying itto do extremely well, to make great progress Used
in the present participle onlyIRELAND , 1997 < fly a deskof an aircraft pilot, to work in air traffic administration Originally militaryUK , 1951 < fly a kite1to tentatively reveal an idea as a test of public opinionUK , 1937.2to pass a worthless chequeUK , 1927.
3in prison, to write a letter; to smuggle correspondence in or out
of prisonUS , 1960 < fly aeroplaneto stand upSINGAPORE , 2002.
< fly by the seat of your pantsto attempt any unfamiliar task and improve as you continue From aircraft pilots’ original use as
‘to fly by instinct’UK , 1960 < fly in ever decreasing circles until he disappears up his own asshole(among Canadian military personnel) to exhibit much ineffective activity while being anxiousCANADA , 1995 < fly lightto work through a meal breakUS ,
1946 < fly low1to drive (a truck) at a very high speedUS , 1971.
2to act cautiouslyUS , 1965.3to have one’s trouser fly unbuttoned
or unzippedCANADA , 1989 < fly Mexican Airlines; fly Mexican Airwaysto smoke marijuana and experience euphoric effects FromFLYING(experiencing the effects of drugs) plus Mexico which