Flapper

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈflapər/

Definitions

• Flapper (Noun): A young woman, especially in the 1920s, who was known for her unconventional behaviors, attitudes, and fashion choices, often including short skirts, bobbed hair, and a carefree, rebellious attitude towards social norms.
• Flapper (Noun): A person, often a bird, that flaps or moves in a quick, light manner.
• Flapper (Noun): A device or part of a machine that moves in a quick, flapping motion.

Usage Examples

• "She embraced the flapper lifestyle, rejecting traditional expectations in favor of bold fashion and free-spirited behavior."
• "The bird's wings flapped rapidly as it took off into the sky."
• "The machine's flapper mechanism ensured the rapid release of air."

Etymology

The term "flapper" originated in the early 20th century, initially referring to a young, fashionable woman. It is thought to be a reference to the flapping of a bird's wings, symbolizing freedom and movement. The term gained popularity during the 1920s, when it was used to describe women who defied traditional societal norms. Over time, the word also came to be used to describe any quick, flapping motion, as well as parts of machines that exhibit such movement.

Synonyms

• Rebel
• Nonconformist
• Avant-garde
• Independent
• Free spirit

Antonyms

• Conservative
• Traditional
• Conformist
• Reserved
• Submissive

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "flapper" tends to be similar across most English-speaking regions. However, in non-rhotic accents like British English, the "r" sound may be softer or omitted, making it sound like "flah-pah." In some American accents, the "a" in the first syllable might sound more like "flæp" (as in "flap"), while in Australian English, it may be pronounced as "flap-pah" with an elongated "a" sound.

Historical Usage

In the 1920s, "flapper" was used to describe young women who rejected conventional social standards. These women, often seen in short skirts, bobbed hair, and enjoying a lively, rebellious lifestyle, symbolized the changing cultural attitudes of the time. The flapper was a symbol of emancipation for women, particularly in Western societies. Over time, the term expanded beyond its association with fashion and societal change to encompass any quick, flapping motion, such as the action of a bird's wings or parts of mechanical devices.

Cultural Nuances

Flappers were seen as breaking away from traditional expectations, especially in the United States and Europe. In the context of the Jazz Age, flappers were also associated with the rise of jazz music, a more relaxed social atmosphere, and a new sense of personal freedom. However, the term also carried some negative connotations, as critics viewed flappers as disruptive to the established social order. In modern times, the term is occasionally used in a nostalgic sense to refer to the fashion and free-spirited attitude of the 1920s, but it has also evolved to describe any energetic, lively, or free-spirited individual who challenges social norms.

More Information

The term "flapper" is deeply tied to the societal changes of the 1920s, particularly in Western culture. Flappers were instrumental in shifting attitudes toward women's rights, sexuality, and personal freedom. These women were often seen as the embodiment of the "new woman," a figure who embraced independence and challenged traditional roles. While the term has largely fallen out of use in its original context, it continues to be a symbol of the cultural transformations of the early 20th century. In modern times, the term is sometimes used in a more general sense to describe any lively, confident, and independent person.