Fillip
Noun
- Something which acts as a stimulus or boost to an activity.
- (Archaic) A movement made by bending the last joint of the finger against the thumb and suddenly releasing it; a flick of the finger.
- A slight smart stroke or tap.
Verb
- Propel (a small object) with a flick of the finger.
- Strike (someone or something) slightly and smartly.
- Stimulate or urge (someone or something).
Example Sentences
“The company-wide bonus will be a fillip for employee morale at the end of the month.”
“With a fillip of two fingers, Serena flicked the acorn across the table.”
“Springtime usually provides a fillip to both home and automotive sales.”
Word Origin
Imitative, mid-16th century
Why this word?
Put the tip of your index or middle finger against the pad of your thumb and flick it. You have just executed the original meaning of the word “fillip.” This word is likely an onomatopoeia — it appeared in the mid-16th century around the same time as the words “flip” and “flirt.” Over time, the word evolved; as a noun it can refer to a boost or stimulus, and as a verb, it can mean “to flick something with a finger,” “to strike something sharply,” and “to stimulate/urge someone or something.” For example, “The doctor asked the patient a series of questions in an attempt to fillip her memory, but all she could do in response was fillip the table.”
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