Flapping

Definitions

1. An instance where one, or something, flaps.
   countable, uncountable
2. A phonological process found in many dialects of English, especially American English and Canadian English, by which intervocalic /t/ and /d/ surface as the alveolar flap [ɾ] before an unstressed syllable, so that words such as "metal" and "medal" are pronounced similarly or identically.
   countable, uncountable
3. The situation where a resource, a network destination, etc., is advertised as being available and then unavailable (or available by different routes) in rapid succession.
   countable, uncountable
4. The unlicensed racing of horses or greyhounds.
   uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“The farmyard was dark and he tiptoed across it so that the turkeys wouldn't set⟳ up their gobbling and flapping.”

“Greyhound racing had its origins in whippet racing, which was derived in turn⟳ from hare coursing. By the early twentieth century, however, a form⟳ of dog racing held in 'flapping tracks' was a common pastime in the wastelands near working-class areas of industrial cities.”

“Flapping is racing which is not licensed by the Jockey Club. […] Anyone found participating in, or even attending, flapping races is liable to be warned off.”

“Flapping is the arse end⟳ of greyhound racing, the lowest of the low. Part sport, part fairground attraction, flapping is the bare-knuckle fighting of dog racing.”

CEFR level