Flopping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
flopping
[หflษp.ษชล ]
Definitions
failing badly
Flopping refers to the act of failing in a dramatic or noticeable way. This term is often used in the context of entertainment, such as movies or shows that perform poorly at the box office or receive unfavorable reviews. The word can also be applied more generally to situations in which a person, endeavor, or project fails rather spectacularly. Overall, flopping implies not just failure, but failure that is significant enough to be observed by others.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The film ended up flopping despite its star-studded cast.
- His new business venture is flopping and he's considering other options.
- The team's strategy flopped during the crucial match.
poor performance
As a noun, a flopping refers to a significant failure in performance or reception. It is often used in discussions about entertainment, such as movies or television shows that do not achieve the anticipated level of success. The term may evoke feelings of disappointment or frustration, especially in industries where success is highly valued. Additionally, it can apply to non-entertainment contexts, describing any situation that has not met expectations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The record was a flopping, leading to questions about the artist's future.
- Their last product launch was a complete flopping.
- The flopping of the play surprised critics who had high hopes.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In the entertainment industry, a 'flop' can refer to a movie or show that receives poor reviews and fails at the box office.
- Songs can also flop, meaning they donโt become popular or sell well.
Sports
- In sports, a team can flop if they perform poorly, especially when they were expected to do well.
- In basketball, a player might fake a foul, which can also be described as flopping.
Psychology
- Experiencing a flop can lead to feelings of disappointment; this is often discussed in the context of motivation.
- Fear of failure, known as 'atychiphobia', may prevent people from trying due to the risk of flopping.
Technology
- Flopping is sometimes used in tech to describe a software product that fails to meet user expectations.
- Many start-ups are considered flops if they don't attract enough users or revenue in their early stages.
Origin of 'flopping'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Old English 'floppian', meaning to fall or flap.
- It evolved to describe the movement of animals like fish that jiggle around when out of their habitat.
The word 'flop' originates from the early 20th century and is believed to be imitative in nature, suggesting a movement that is heavy and ungraceful. It initially was used to describe the noise made by something heavy falling or dropping, particularly in the context of something failing outright. By the mid-20th century, the term evolved into a descriptor for unsuccessful films and performances, solidifying its place in the entertainment industry lexicon. 'Flopping' as a verb emerged from this origin, indicating not just simple failure, but a failure that stands out or is very noticeable. Its usage has expanded over the years to encompass various forms of unsuccessful endeavors beyond entertainment, often highlighting a lack of success that is more evident than usual.