French word

flipper

Pronunciation

IPA/flipe/

Meaning

  • verbfreak out

Example

Elle a flippé en entendant le bruit.

She freaked out when she heard the noise.

Illustration for flipper (freak out)

More examples

On flippe souvent avant un entretien.

We often get scared before an interview.

Core concept

A person suddenly loses composure when fear takes over.

Common phrases

  • flipper à l'idée de

    be scared at the thought of ___

  • flipper pour quelqu'un

    be worried about someone

  • flipper à mort

    be scared to death

Similar words

avoir peur: To feel fear because of danger or uncertainty.
paniquer: To panic and become unable to stay calm.

Definition in French

Indique qu'une personne réagit avec peur ou panique face à quelque chose.

Word origin

French flipper comes from English flip, influenced by the slang expression flip out, with -er added to form a French verb.

Usage tips

  • Flipper is familiar spoken French and is best avoided in formal or highly respectful situations.

Opposites

  • se détendrecalm downverb
  • affronterconfrontverb

Related words

  • flippéfrightenedadjective
  • flippantfrighteningadjective

Word lists with this word