To flap means ‘to move back and forth loosely’ or ‘to move up and down,’ like wings or arms. As a slang term, ‘to become excited or confused,’ usually because of stress, is also to flap. As a noun, a flap is…
A squeal is a long, sharp cry, as of pain, surprise, fear, or excitement or a screeching sound. Informally, in US English, a protest or complaint about something can be called a squeal. As a verb, squeal obviously means…
A ridge is a long, narrow elevation of land or a chain of hills or mountains, and also the long and narrow upper edge or crest of something. Any raised strip on clothing or any raised margin on a…
To flop means ‘to drop or fall in a heavy or clumsy way’ or ‘to swing loosely.’ In US English, if someone changes suddenly from one opinion or party to another, that’s also to flop. Informally, to flop means…
Fink is a US slang term. It can be an informer, someone who gives information to authorities, a strikebreaker, or a labor spy. As a verb, to fink means…
A clout is a blow or hit, especially one given with the hand. Informally, as an uncountable noun, clout means ‘strong influence.’ In baseball, a clout is a long hit and, in archery, the mark or target shot at from a long distance. As a verb, to clout…
