flapperism

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

flap•per /ˈflæpɚ/   n. [countable]

1. something broad and flat used for striking or for making a noise by striking.
2. a young woman who went against conventional behavior in the 1920's.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

flap•per  (flap′ər), n. 

1. something broad and flat used for striking or for making a noise by striking.
2. a broad, flat, hinged or hanging piece;
   flap.
3. a young woman, esp. one who, during the 1920s, behaved and dressed in a boldly unconventional manner.
4. a young bird just learning to fly.
5. Slang Terms the hand.

• flap + -er¹ 1560–70

flap′per•dom, n. 
flap′per•ish, adj. 
flap′per•ism, n.