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Flick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flick

[flɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

movie

A small, quick movement or series of movements, typically of a finger or a thumb.

Synonyms

snap, stroke, tap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flick

A quick, light movement, often to get rid of something small or to activate or deactivate a switch.

  • He flicked the dust off his jacket.
  • She flicked the light switch.
snap

A sudden, sharp movement or sound, often associated with breaking or making a sharp noise.

  • He snapped his fingers to get attention.
  • The twig snapped under her weight.
tap

A light, small touch, often to get attention or make a soft sound, also can refer to gently pressing a device screen.

  • He tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention.
  • She tapped the screen to open the app.
stroke

A gentle, continuous movement, often used to describe a soothing action.

  • He stroked the cat gently.
  • She stroked his hair to comfort him.

Examples of usage

  • He gave the switch a flick with his thumb.
  • She felt a flick on her shoulder and turned around.
Context #2 | Verb

light

To propel or remove something with a sudden quick movement.

Synonyms

snap, toss, whip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flick

Used to describe a quick, light movement often made to remove or move something small.

  • She flicked a speck of dust off her shoulder
  • He flicked the light switch on
snap

Describes a sudden, sharp breaking noise or rapid movement, often used for fingers or to indicate anger or urgency.

  • He snapped his fingers to get everyone's attention
  • She snapped the twig in half
whip

Indicates a fast, sudden motion often accompanied by a whipping sound, with potential negative connotation when describing harsh actions.

  • He whipped his head around to see what happened
  • She whipped up the mixture with the whisk
toss

Implied when throwing something lightly or casually, often without aiming at a specific target.

  • She tossed her keys into her bag
  • The boy tossed the ball to his friend

Examples of usage

  • She flicked the light switch.
  • He flicked the speck of dust off his shoulder.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In film terminology, a 'flick' often refers to a movie that is light-hearted or entertaining, as seen in phrases like 'Let's go to the flicks.'
  • Flicking through pages or channels has become synonymous with browsing quickly, reflecting our fast-paced media consumption culture.
  • Famous characters known for their flick-like movements include playful superheroes or fast-action film icons.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that small, quick gestures like a flick can signal a light-hearted reaction, helping to improve social interactions.
  • The act of flicking can also have calming effects, serving as a way to release nervous energy in situations of stress or anxiety.
  • Using quick movements can enhance a person's physical coordination, which is beneficial for activities like sports or dance.

Science

  • Flicking movements are often studied in biomechanics, where researchers analyze the efficiency of rapid gestures in various sports.
  • In physics, a flick is an example of transferring energy quickly in a motion, demonstrating principles of momentum and force.
  • In nature, many animals use flick-like motions to catch prey or evade predators, showing the effectiveness of quick actions for survival.

Literature

  • In storytelling, flicks can symbolize sudden changes or moments of clarity, creating impactful narrative shifts.
  • Writers often depict characters using a flick of the wrist to show confidence or dismissiveness, adding personality to their actions.
  • In poetry, the imagery of a flick can evoke feelings of spontaneity and freedom, connecting readers to the beauty of quick moments.

Origin of 'flick'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'flicke', which means to move quickly or lightly.
  • Historically, 'flick' was also used to describe a quick motion in horse riding, indicating swiftness and agility.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, also incorporating meanings in different forms of art and entertainment.

The word 'flick' originated in the late 16th century and is believed to be of imitative origin, representing the sound made by a quick light movement. Over time, it has evolved to describe both a noun and a verb associated with swift movements. The term is commonly used in casual conversation and in various fields such as film, photography, and sports.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,203, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.