Meaning
The action of holding the tip of a finger against the thumb and then releasing it with a snap; a flick.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English filippen, philippe (“to flick or snap a finger from against the thumb”); further origin uncertain, but probably imitative. See flip. It is not clear whether the verb is derived from the noun, or vice versa.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 6 recorded puzzles: