fillip
|fil-lip|
/ˈfɪlɪp/
small snap; quick boost
Etymology
'fillip' originates in English, probably from dialectal forms such as 'fillop' or 'filip', an imitative word representing the sharp snapping or flicking sound.
'fillip' appears as dialect/colloquial forms like 'fillop' or 'filip' (early modern English) and developed into the standard modern English 'fillip'. It is related to and may have been influenced by the verb 'flip' (to strike or move with a light sharp motion).
Initially it referred chiefly to the literal small snap or flick; over time it also came to be used figuratively to mean a stimulus or boost and the verb sense 'to give a boost'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small sharp blow or a flick, especially one given with a finger or an object.
She gave the marble a fillip and it rolled across the floor.
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Noun 2
something that acts as a stimulus or boost; a stimulus that gives renewed energy or encouragement.
The tax cut provided a welcome fillip to the struggling economy.
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Last updated: 2025/09/04 09:25