flipper

Etymology

From flip + -er. Compare Saterland Frisian Flappert (“flipper, wing”).

noun

1. In marine mammals such as whales (or other aquatic animals such as sea turtles), a wide flat limb, adapted for swimming.
2. A flat, wide, paddle-like rubber covering for the foot, used in swimming.
3. A flat lever in a pinball machine, triggered by the player to strike the ball and keep it in play.
4. (theater) A small flat used to support a larger one.
   The flipper is designed to give support by standing at a 90-degree angle to the flat. It probably gets its name from its appearance: cut out like a piece of profile scenery, it resembles the flipper of a marine animal, […] 1998, Martin Harrison, The Language of Theatre, page 104
   When standing alone, a flat may have a small extension, a FLIPPER, for added strength. 2013, Jonathan Law, The Methuen Drama Dictionary of the Theatre
5. (cricket) A type of ball bowled by a leg spin bowler, which spins backwards and skids off the pitch with a low bounce.
6. (informal, US) Television remote control, clicker.
7. (dated, slang) The hand.
   Give me your flipper, old man, and tell me if I can be of any service to you. I'll do what you want at all hazards. 1888, Hélène E A. Gingold, Denyse, page 222
8. (dentistry) A kind of false tooth, usually temporary.
   Dr. Woo attempts to distinguish Blakeslee by pointing out that “one can fondle a breast without having anything to do with dentistry, but one cannot take molds, fabricate and insert flippers into another person's mouth without practicing dentistry." 2005, Washington Appellate Reports: Volume 128
9. A kitchen spatula.
   Remember the mornings when you help me fix eggs and pancakes for breakfast. You always had to use the “flipper” to turn the pancakes and eggs. 2009, Amy J. Yowell, The Silent Cry, page 161
10. Someone who flips, in the sense of buying a house or other asset and selling it quickly for profit.
11. Someone who flips in any other sense, for example throwing a coin.

verb

1. To lift one or both flippers out of the water and slap the surface of the water.