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Brandon Crossadded a note 8 years ago

note (en-en)

Every group of friends has one. You know, that one person who always says they’re down to do something go out for happy hour, meet up for the movies, grab a bite to eat, engage in some retail therapy, etc, but at the last minute they’re nowhere to be found or either come up with some lame excuse as to why they can’t make it.

I’d like to introduce you to the FLAKE. A ‘flake’ is basically an unreliable person; someone who agrees to do something, but never follows through. There’s also a verb form ‘flake’ or ‘flake out’ to decide not to go do something at the last minute; to ditch or bail out.

Here are a few examples:

“Victor said he was coming, but he’s such a flake. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t end up coming at all.”

“Dude, it’s been so long since we’ve gone to that really cool bar on Montrose Avenue. Don’t flake on me this time I’m really looking forward to going and I don’t want to go alone.”

“C’mon Sarah, your flakiness is getting out of control. You used to always be there for me but now, ever since you started dating Richard, you’ve been cancelling all of our plans.”

I think we’ve all been a bit flakey at one time or another, but the main thing is to not make it a habit. You usually call someone a flake or flakey when they habitually cancel plans or never commit to anything. ‘Flaking out’ can refer to a one-time event that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a flakey person.

I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to be flakey in the winter))) What about you? How do you deal with flakey people?

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Discussion (4)

Vicious Circleadded a comment 8 years ago

I don't want to sound flaky) but (snow)flakes dropping from the winter sky are inspiring!)

Марина Золотареваadded a comment 8 years ago

Hello) Oxford says that flake out can also mean "fall asleep". Do you use it in this meaning? Is it common in modern English language?)

Marissa Zebaduaadded a comment 8 years ago

geez, sometimes I can be a flake. :-)

Brandon Crossadded a comment 8 years ago

@Марина Золотарева Maybe it's common in modern British English, I've never heard it in that sense before and I'm definitely not the best person to ask when it comes British English.

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