Flakier: meaning, definitions and examples
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flakier
[ ˈfleɪkiər ]
describing character
Flakier is often used to describe a person who is unreliable or inconsistent in their behavior or commitments. This term can also refer to something that easily breaks into small pieces, like a pastry. In a social context, a flakier individual might make plans but frequently cancel or forget them, causing frustration to their friends. It can also denote someone who is whimsical or capricious, lacking in seriousness.
Synonyms
capricious, erratic, unreliable
Examples of usage
- He's too flaky to rely on for help.
- She made a flaky excuse for being late.
- The pastry turned out flaky and delicious.
Word origin
The term 'flaky' originates from the Middle English word 'flak,' which means a thin bit or a slice. Its use in the context of unreliability began in American slang around the mid-20th century. The word conveys the image of something that falls apart easily, much like the way unreliable people may fail to keep plans or commitments. Over time, 'flakier' emerged as an informal adjective to describe individuals who exhibit these unreliable traits. The metaphor extends from the physical properties of items that can easily flake or crumble.