Definition of flake out

The phrase "flake out" originated in the United States during the early 20th century. The exact origin of the term is unclear, but there are several theories to explain its meaning and history. One possible origin is that "flake out" was originally slang for dropping flakes of cocaine onto a surface, such as a mirror or a smooth surface for insufflating. These flakes would then be inhaled or snorted into the body, causing a state of drug-induced euphoria and relaxation. The term "flake out" would have been used to describe someone who has just finished using cocaine, as they may appear dazed or disoriented from the after-effects. Another theory suggests that "flake out" is derived from the phrase "flake out cold," a term used in the mining industry to describe the collapse of a shaft or tunnel due to mineral instability. The idea is that someone who "flakes out" falls into a deep and unresponsive state, much like a mining shaft that "flakes out." Regardless of its origins, "flake out" has come to be used more generally to describe someone who is behaviorally or mentally unresponsive, usually as a result of fatigue, stress, or intoxication. The expression is commonly used in contemporary English, both colloquially and in more formal settings, to convey the idea of someone's temporary incapacitation or withdrawal from a social situation.