Definition of flipper

The word "flipper" originated in the mid-19th century in the United States. Initially, it referred to a type of tool used in logging and woodworking, characterized by a long handle with a curved or flat blade attached to the end. The blade was used to flip or turn heavy logs and timber during the process of felling and shaping trees. Over time, the term "flipper" evolved to be used metaphorically to describe any object or device that could be used to flip or move something abruptly. This led to its adoption in various contexts, such as cooking (e.g., a spatula), science (e.g., a mechanical device for moving an object), and even in the context of animal anatomy (e.g., the flippers of penguins and seals). Today, the word "flipper" is widely used in various languages, and its meaning has expanded to encompass anything that can perform the function of flipping or moving something with a sudden and decisive motion.