backflip
|back-flip|
/ˈbæk.flɪp/
backward somersault
Etymology
'backflip' originates from English as a compound of 'back' and 'flip'. 'Back' comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'the rear or behind', and 'flip' is an imitative/colloquial verb meaning 'to move with a quick, light motion'.
'flip' appeared in Middle to Early Modern English as a verb meaning to strike or move suddenly; the compound 'backflip' developed in modern English (20th century) in sporting contexts to name the backward somersault movement.
Initially used literally for the acrobatic backward somersault, 'backflip' later acquired figurative uses meaning a sudden reversal of opinion or an expression of extreme excitement.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an acrobatic move in which a person jumps and rotates backward in the air, completing a full backward somersault and landing on their feet.
She landed a perfect backflip off the diving board.
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Noun 2
a sudden reversal of opinion, policy, or statement (figurative use).
The company did a backflip on its earlier policy after public criticism.
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Verb 1
to perform a backflip (physically).
He backflipped off the stage during the show.
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Verb 2
to reverse a previous statement, decision, or position suddenly (figurative).
The senator backflipped on the promise after pressure from the party.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 04:23