Flappable

/ˈflæpəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being flapped; able to move or wave with a flapping motion; easily disturbed or excited (informal).

Etymology

From flap plus the ability suffix -able, creating an adjective meaning 'capable of being flapped' or informally 'easily flustered.'

Kelly Says

Flappable shows how -able words can shift meaning—technically it just means 'able to flap,' but in informal speech it absorbed the 1920s slang where 'flapper' meant a young woman easily flustered by modern excitement.

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