Learning French: what does flipper mean and when should it be used?
An informal word for when you are red with rage or white with fear
This French verb is similar to the English saying: to freak out
Nestor Rizhniak/Shutterstock
English speakers might recognise this word as referring to fish fins, webbed feet or diving gear. The French definition of flipper, however, is completely unrelated.
It actually describes someone who is scared, angry or freaking out.
We look at different situations when you can use this fun French verb as well as exploring its drug-related origins.
What does flipper mean?
This handy word, which translates as ‘to flip,’ has a few different meanings.
It is used to describe an explosion of anger, as if flipping a switch, and can also refer to having a sudden reaction to something scary.
You might come across the following similar slang sayings:
Un flipper can also refer to a pinball machine. It is, however, not pronounced the same way. A pinball machine is pronounced “flippeur” [flip - heure] similarly to Flipper the Dolphin which French people pronounce ‘flippeur le dauphin’ but write Flipper le dauphin.
You can usually rely on pronunciation and context to establish which definition is relevant.
Read also: Understanding French expressions: The nuances of 'rien' in everyday language
What are the origins of flipper?
This word can be traced back to drug-related vocabulary of the 1970s, when etre flippé referred to the effects of consuming hallucinogenic substances.
The idea of ‘flipping’ describes the user’s contrasting emotional states, experiencing elation, depression and madness.
It was also used by Americans who, arriving in France, felt uneasy and anxious due to a limited access to drugs.
The definition of flipper gradually evolved to refer to feelings of fear, anger or excitement.
Few people are aware of these origins as the word is used in a much more general sense today, with no strict relation to drugs or alcohol.
When do you say flipper?
Say this in casual situations to describe someone who is really scared or uncomfortable:
You can use it to refer to someone who gets angry and blows a fuse:
Read also: Why being told to go cook an egg in French is rarely a good thing
To whom do you say flipper?
It is informal language and can be used with friends and family.
It is mainly used in casual, spoken language and is to be avoided in formal contexts.
Read also: Seven useful informal French expressions you don’t learn at school
