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Flopped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flopped

[flÉ’pt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

failure in context

To flop means to fail completely or to be unsuccessful, especially in a dramatic way. It is often used to describe a movie, show, or business that has not met expectations.

Synonyms

bombed, collapses, failed, misfired.

Examples of usage

  • The movie flopped at the box office.
  • His big idea flopped after just a few months.
  • The product launch completely flopped.
Context #2 | Verb

to fall suddenly

To flop can also mean to fall or drop suddenly and heavily, often described in a physical sense. This can imply a clumsy or ungraceful motion.

Synonyms

collapsed, dropped, fell, plummeted.

Examples of usage

  • He flopped onto the couch after a long day.
  • The dog flopped onto the grass in the heat.
  • She flopped down on the bed, exhausted.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Many summer blockbuster movies have 'flopped' at the box office, despite heavy marketing.
  • The famous 1980 film 'Heaven's Gate' is often cited as one of the biggest flops in movie history, losing around $44 million.
  • Musical albums can also flop; a well-known example is 'Had to Be There' by Michael Jackson, which underperformed after his early successes.

Psychology

  • Fear of flopping can lead to anxiety, causing people to avoid taking risks in life and work.
  • The 'flop' effect highlights how unexpected failure can impact self-esteem and motivation.
  • Research shows that people often remember their flops more vividly than their successes, influencing future decisions.

Education

  • Students often 'flop' an exam when they do not prepare adequately, reminding us of the importance of study habits.
  • Flopping in a project can provide valuable learning experiences, teaching resilience and the importance of feedback.
  • Educational games are designed to challenge students and help them learn how to bounce back from flops.

Technology

  • Flops can occur in tech companies, such as when a highly anticipated gadget fails to meet consumer expectations.
  • In software development, a 'flop' might refer to a product launch that does not attract users or generate revenue.
  • The infamous Google Glass is an example of a tech flop, as it was discontinued due to low market demand.

Origin of 'flopped'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'flop' originated in the early 20th century, often describing a sudden fall or collapse.
  • It is believed to be an onomatopoeic word, imitating the sound of something falling flat.
  • In the 1950s, the usage of 'flopped' became common in American theater to describe unsuccessful plays.

The term 'flop' first emerged in American slang in the early 20th century. Initially used in the theatrical context to describe a production that met with dismal success, the word has evolved over time. It is derived from an earlier term that means 'to fall or drop down suddenly', illustrating the sudden and often surprising nature of its usage. The usage of 'flopped' has permeated various aspects of culture, especially in the entertainment industry, where it is commonly used to indicate that a movie, TV show, or even a book has failed to attract a decent audience or perform well commercially. As cinema and media have expanded globally, the use of the word has taken on a more universal meaning within popular culture, applicable across various situations where expectation does not meet reality.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,542, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.