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Flops Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flops

[flÉ’ps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

footwear

Flops are a type of casual footwear that typically consist of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap known as a toe thong that passes between the first and second toes and around both sides of the foot. They are often made of rubber or plastic.

Synonyms

flip-flops, sandals, slides.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flops

Informal setting, used to describe a complete failure or something that did not perform well. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • The movie was a total flop at the box office.
  • His latest business venture was a complete flop.
sandals

Formal or casual setting, used to describe open-toed shoes with straps. Can be worn in various situations depending on the style.

  • She chose elegant sandals to go with her summer dress.
  • For a comfortable walk, he prefers wearing sandals.
flip-flops

Casual setting, refers to a type of light sandal with a thong that goes between the toes. Typically worn in warm weather or at the beach.

  • She wore her favorite flip-flops to the beach.
  • Flip-flops are perfect for a casual stroll on a sunny day.
slides

Casual setting, refers to open-toed footwear that is easy to slide on and off. Commonly used as casual or athletic footwear.

  • He slipped into his slides before heading to the pool.
  • Slides are very convenient for quickly stepping outside.

Examples of usage

  • They slipped on their flops and headed to the beach.
  • She loves wearing her flops around the house.
  • We always pack our flops for vacation.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

Flops can also refer to a complete failure or disaster, especially in relation to a performance, project, or investment.

Synonyms

disaster, failure, fiasco.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flops

This term is commonly used in informal settings to describe something that didn't succeed, often referring to entertainment or commercial ventures.

  • The movie was a flop at the box office
  • His new song flopped and didn't make it to the charts
failure

This is a general term applicable to any unsuccessful effort or outcome. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The project ended in failure due to poor planning
  • His attempt to climb the mountain was a failure
disaster

This word is used to pinpoint situations that went catastrophically wrong, having widespread negative impact. It can be used for both serious real-world events and less serious personal failures.

  • The hurricane was a natural disaster with many casualties
  • The wedding was a disaster; everything went wrong
fiasco

This word is used to describe a situation that becomes embarrassingly disastrous. It often implies a level of public or visible failure.

  • The event planning was a complete fiasco, with many guests walking out
  • Our attempt to surprise her turned into a fiasco when she found out beforehand

Examples of usage

  • The movie was a total flop at the box office.
  • The product launch was a flop due to lack of marketing.
  • The business was a flop and had to close down.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Notable flops include movies like 'Waterworld' and 'Ishtar,' which both became infamous for their astronomical budgets and poor reception.
  • The concept of a 'flop' has led to phrases like the 'Box Office Bomb,' referring to movies that lost a lot of money.
  • Television shows can also flop; examples include 'The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer' and 'My Mother the Car.'

Psychology

  • Failure experiences can teach resilience; many successful people cite past flops as crucial for their growth.
  • The concept of 'fear of failure' (atychiphobia) can discourage individuals from trying new things due to the stigma of flopping.
  • Coping strategies after a flop can include reflection, support from friends, and humor.

Business

  • Product flops, like Google Glass, highlight the risks of innovation and misunderstanding market needs.
  • Companies often conduct post-mortems on flopped products to learn what went wrong.
  • Flops can sometimes lead to unexpected learning opportunities or pivoting in business strategy.

Literature

  • Literary works can also flop; for instance, books that were majorly hyped but received poor reviews.
  • Some authors use their previous failures as inspiration for future projects, turning flops into stories of redemption.
  • Flopping in novels can create rich character development, illustrating the highs and lows of an author's journey.

Origin of 'flops'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flop' originally referred to a loud, heavy fall in the late 19th century.
  • It became popular in the context of theater in the 1920s to describe unsuccessful plays.
  • By the 1960s, the term was widely used in the film industry to denote a movie that failed at the box office.

The term 'flops' originated as a colloquial abbreviation for 'flip-flops', describing the sound they make when walking. Over time, it also came to be used to refer to a failure or disaster, likely due to the negative connotations associated with the sound of something flopping or falling flat. The dual meanings of the word highlight the versatility and evolution of language.

See also: flop.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,691, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.