Fluke
/fluːk/noun
A flatfish that is often associated with luck or chance.
Did you know?The term 'fluke' originally referred to a type of flatfish, but it evolved to signify unexpected luck, often in a mischievous or deceptive manner, reflecting ancient superstitions.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*flūkanō
“to float, to swim”
Old English
OE
flōc
“a swimming or floating object, often related to fish”
Middle English
ME
fluke
“a flatfish, particularly a flounder”
16th Century
English
fluke
“a chance occurrence, especially of good fortune”
Explore more surprising origins