flaky
UK: ˈfleɪki | US: ˈfleɪki
adj. tending to break or separate into small, thin pieces
adj. unreliable or eccentric in behavior
adj. (informal) marked by inconsistency or unpredictability
The word "flaky" derives from the noun "flake," which originated in Middle English as "flak" (a snowflake or fragment), likely from Old Norse "flak" (a loose or torn piece). The suffix "-y" transforms it into an adjective, describing something composed of or resembling flakes. Over time, the term evolved metaphorically to describe unreliable behavior, likening inconsistency to the fragile, fragmented nature of flakes.
The pastry was delicious but flaky, crumbling with every bite.
Don’t rely on him—he’s known for being flaky and canceling plans last minute.
Her flaky attitude made it hard to trust her with important tasks.
The paint on the old wall became flaky and peeled off easily.
His flaky excuses for being late grew tiresome over time.