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Flops: meaning, definitions and examples

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flops

 

[ flɒps ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "flops" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fracassos

🇮🇳 विफलताएँ

🇩🇪 Misserfolge

🇮🇩 kegagalan

🇺🇦 провали

🇵🇱 niepowodzenia

🇯🇵 失敗

🇫🇷 échecs

🇪🇸 fracasos

🇹🇷 başarısızlıklar

🇰🇷 실패

🇸🇦 إخفاقات

🇨🇿 neúspěchy

🇸🇰 neúspechy

🇨🇳 失败

🇸🇮 neuspehi

🇮🇸 mistök

🇰🇿 сәтсіздіктер

🇬🇪 წარუმატებლობები

🇦🇿 uğursuzluqlar

🇲🇽 fracasos

Word origin

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.