To turn over or cause to turn over with a quick sharp movement. Can also mean to change suddenly to an opposite position or attitude.
Possibly imitative of the sound of something turning quickly, or from Middle English 'flippen' meaning 'to strike lightly'. Related to 'flap' and other words suggesting quick, light movements.
The word perfectly captures both the sound and motion it describes - the 'fl' sound suggests the whoosh of air, while the sharp 'ip' mimics the snap of contact. It's onomatopoeia in action!
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