Flap
/flæp/noun
To strike or move loosely with a quick, repeated motion, or a loose piece that does so.
Did you know?English flap is a native Germanic word, and its oldest relatives point to rapid beating or fluttering motions, the kind of sound-gesture language that makes ordinary movement feel almost alive.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*plep-
“A proposed imitative base for flapping or beating motions”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*flap- / *flappōną
“To flap, beat, or move loosely”
Old English
English
flæppe
“A flap or loose hanging piece; to move or beat loosely”
Middle English
English
flap(p)en
“To beat, strike, or move with a flapping motion”
Modern English
English
flap
“To strike or move with repeated light blows, or a loose piece that does so”