Definition of flaky

The word "flaky" has a surprising origin. In the 17th century, a "flake" referred to a thin, flat piece of something, such as a flake of snow or a flake of pastry. When used to describe behavior or character, "flaky" originally meant being inconsistent, unreliable, or prone to sudden changes in mood or opinion, much like the unpredictable nature of snowflakes or pastry flakes. This sense of the word can be traced back to the mid-17th century, when people might describe someone as "flaky" if they were known to be picky or hard to pin down. Over time, the word evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including being dishonest, untrustworthy, or even flighty. Today, "flaky" is often used to describe someone who is unreliable or uncooperative, but its origins remain rooted in the whimsical world of flakes.