Definition of flicker

The origin of the word "flicker" can be traced back to the Old English word "flincan," which meant "to move fitfully" or "to shake violently." This word was derived from the Proto-Germanic root "flikkoni," which referred to a rapid and uncertain movement. The term "flicker" was originally used to describe the erratic movements of unsteady things, such as flames or flying creatures. In the late 1500s, the word "flicker" appeared in print for the first time, specifically in the context of a flintlock firing (which created a flickering light). Over time, the meaning of "flicker" has evolved to encompass a variety of phenomena, including the intermittent flashes of light produced by certain birds (known as woodpecker or flame creepers), the intermittent shedding of feathers by some birds, and the erratic movements of animals such as fleas and madmen (who have been described as "flickering" in their behavior). Today, the term "flicker" is most commonly associated with the intermittent flashing of lights, such as those produced by electrical malfunctions, strobe lights, and the amber flashing of police cars. Its meaning has also been extended to describe the sudden appearing and disappearing of objects on a computer screen, known as "screen flickering."