# flipping

/ˈfɫɪpɪŋ/ (US) · /flˈɪpɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flipping
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. turning over

verb · CEFR B1

turning something over quickly or moving through something like pages.

For teachers: the present participle of 'flip', denoting the action of overturning or flicking through a medium.

- He was flipping through the magazine while waiting for his appointment.
- The chef was flipping pancakes with practiced ease, ensuring each side achieved a perfect golden brown before serving.

### 2. mild intensifier

adjective · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal · Humorous

a word used to show you are annoyed, surprised, or to make a point stronger without being too rude.

For teachers: a euphemistic intensifier used as a minced oath for 'fucking' to express frustration or emphasis.

- I can't find my flipping keys anywhere in this house.
- It is a flipping miracle that we managed to catch the train despite the heavy traffic on the way to the station.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun or adjective it modifies.

### 3. reselling for profit

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the business of buying something, like a house or a car, fixing it, and selling it quickly for more money.

For teachers: the practice of purchasing an asset and reselling it shortly thereafter for a profit, often after making improvements.

- House flipping has become a popular way for people to make money in this city.
- The rapid flipping of properties in the downtown area has contributed significantly to the rise in local real estate prices.

Usage: Commonly used in the context of real estate or limited-edition goods.

## Examples

- I can't find my flipping keys anywhere.
- It has been raining for three flipping days and I just want to go for a walk.
- He spent the entire afternoon trying to fix that flipping computer, only to realise it wasn't even plugged into the wall.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.