flop

UK: /flɒp/ | US: /flɑːp/

Definition

  1. v. to fall or drop heavily and suddenly

  2. v. (informal) to fail completely

  3. n. a complete failure

  4. n. the sound of something soft hitting a surface

Structure

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Etymology

The word "flop" is an example of onomatopoeia, imitating the sound of something soft or heavy falling loosely. It emerged in the early 19th century, likely influenced by similar words like "flap" and "plop." Its informal meaning of "failure" arose in the early 20th century, metaphorically extending from the physical act of collapsing or falling flat.

Examples

  1. The exhausted cat flopped onto the couch.

  2. The movie was a total flop at the box office.

  3. She heard the wet towel flop onto the floor.

  4. His business plan flopped despite heavy investment.

  5. The fish flopped helplessly on the deck.