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Flaky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flaky

[หˆfleษชki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

baked goods

Consisting of thin layers that separate easily, typically used to describe pastries or biscuits. Often used to refer to something unreliable or inconsistent in nature.

Synonyms

brittle, crumbly, flakey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flaky

Use when describing something that easily breaks into small, thin pieces, often in the context of pastries or certain types of paint or skin. It can also describe someone unreliable or inconsistent.

  • The croissant was delicious and flaky.
  • Her skin became dry and flaky in the winter.
  • He's a bit flaky; you can't always count on him.
crumbly

Use when talking about something that easily breaks into smaller chunks or crumbs. Often used for food items like cheese, cookies, or soil.

  • The crumbly cheese melted in my mouth.
  • The cookie was old and had become crumbly.
flakey

Spelling variation of 'flaky'. It has the same meanings and is used in the same contexts.

  • The pastry was so flakey and delicious.
  • His flakey behavior makes it hard to rely on him.
brittle

Use for describing something hard but likely to break or shatter easily upon impact. Commonly applied to materials like metal, glass, or emotional states.

  • The brittle glass shattered into a thousand pieces.
  • She has a brittle temper these days.

Examples of usage

  • The croissant was flaky and delicious.
  • She's known for her flaky pie crusts.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Unreliable, inconsistent, or erratic in behavior. Often used to describe someone who is unreliable or forgetful.

Synonyms

erratic, inconsistent, unreliable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flaky

Used to describe a person who is often unreliable or unpredictable. Typically, it has a somewhat casual or colloquial tone.

  • Sarah can be so flaky; she always cancels plans at the last minute.
  • I wouldn't depend on him to show up; he's really flaky.
unreliable

Describes someone or something that cannot be depended on or trusted. This term is more formal and has a clear negative connotation.

  • Tom is so unreliable; he always forgets his commitments.
  • This data is unreliable and cannot be used for the report.
inconsistent

Often used in the context of performance, behavior, or quality that changes frequently and lacks a steady pattern.

  • Her work has been inconsistent this month, and it's affecting the project.
  • The judge's rulings appear to be inconsistent, leading to uncertainty.
erratic

Used when behavior or actions are highly unpredictable and inconsistent, often in a negative sense. It can refer to both people and things.

  • His driving is so erratic that I'm scared to get in the car with him.
  • The weather has been erratic lately, making it hard to plan outdoor activities.

Examples of usage

  • He's so flaky, he never shows up on time.
  • I can't rely on her, she's too flaky.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Flaky pastry, such as puff pastry, is created by layering butter and dough, resulting in a light, crispy texture.
  • Certain fish varieties, like cod, are described as flaky when they easily separate into soft pieces when cooked.
  • Flaky biscuits and scones are beloved in many cultures and often served with butter or jam.

Psychology

  • In modern slang, calling someone 'flaky' can mean theyโ€™re inconsistent or unreliable, often missing commitments.
  • Flakiness can sometimes stem from anxiety or overcommitment, making it hard for individuals to follow through.
  • Research indicates that a 'flaky' personality might arise from difficulties with prioritization and time management.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'flaky' has been popularized in television and movies, often describing characters who are fun but unreliable.
  • In the world of social media, people often refer to friends who 'flake' on plans as 'ghosters' or 'no-shows'.
  • Flaky characters are sometimes portrayed as carefree and adventurous, adding humor and spontaneity.

Science

  • In materials science, substances described as 'flaky' are often made up of layered structures, like graphite.
  • Biological structures can also be flaky if they have layers that can easily separate, such as certain minerals.
  • Understanding why some materials are flaky helps researchers develop stronger and more durable products.

Origin of 'flaky'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flaky' comes from 'flake', which refers to thin pieces that can break off.
  • It has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe things that easily come apart.
  • The use of 'flaky' has expanded from describing foods to describing people or plans that are unreliable.

The word 'flaky' originated from the Middle English word 'flaken', which means 'to peel off in layers'. It is related to the Old Norse word 'flakna', meaning 'to flake off'. Over time, the term evolved to describe things that are easily separable into thin layers, both in the context of baked goods and behavior.

See also: flake, flakey, flaking.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,050, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.