Flaky
'fleɪki
Definitions
3 meaningsUnreliable; not dependable or consistent.
'fleɪki
Unreliable or not dependable
She's known to be a flaky friend, always canceling plans.
💡 Simply: Imagine you make plans with a friend, but they often change their mind or don't show up. That friend is being flaky, like a pastry that crumbles easily. It means they're not very reliable.
👶 For kids: When someone says they will do something, but then they don't do it, they're being flaky!
More Examples
The internet connection is really flaky today; I keep losing the signal.
He had a flaky alibi that the police didn't believe.
How It's Used
"He's a bit flaky, so don't be surprised if he cancels at the last minute."
"The supplier has a flaky history of delivering goods on time."
Separating or tending to separate into flakes.
'fleɪki
Easily broken into flakes
The flaky pastry crust melted in my mouth.
💡 Simply: Like a biscuit that falls apart in little pieces. It can also mean something that is separating like dry skin or paint that's peeling off.
👶 For kids: If something can break into little bits that look like flakes, it's flaky!
More Examples
The paint on the old car was starting to become flaky.
His skin became flaky in the winter.
How It's Used
"The pie crust should be flaky and golden brown."
"The paint had a flaky texture."
Eccentric or unconventional in personality.
'fleɪki
Eccentric or odd in behavior
My uncle is a bit flaky, but he's always entertaining.
💡 Simply: Think of someone who is a little bit strange, like a funny, interesting character in a movie. They might do unexpected things, but it's usually in a harmless way.
👶 For kids: Someone who is a bit strange or acts in a silly way is being flaky!
More Examples
She's known for her flaky sense of humor.
He has a flaky approach to life.
How It's Used
"She has a rather flaky personality."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
flaky ice
Ice that is in flake form, typically used in food displays.
"Restaurants often use flaky ice to keep seafood fresh on display."
From 'flake,' which comes from Old Norse 'flaga' meaning 'slab' or 'splinter,' and the suffix '-y'. The term 'flaky' initially described something that separated into flakes, and then expanded to mean unreliable or eccentric.
The word 'flaky' has evolved in its meaning. Initially, it referred to physical characteristics, like a flaky pie crust. Over time, it has gained a more figurative meaning related to unreliability, becoming more common in the 20th and 21st centuries.