Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

I don't understand why the expression " don't fillip the bird" is relevant in the following context.

A fillip of the finger is a flip of the finger (but don't fillip the bird to anyone just because you know).
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Hiromichi

[Alcarin]

To "flip the bird" or "flipping the bird" is to raise your middle finger while the other 4 fingers are lowered giving somebody the middle finger. Fillip means to press a finger against the thumb and suddenly releasing it so technically the sentence is accurate. However for conversational generally you will hear "flip the bird."

The sentence, however awkward, as it does not state to not "fillip the middle finger" but only says that "A fillip of the finger is a flip of the finger." To fillip your finger is very vague as you can fillip all your fingers with the exception of your pinky (unless you are flexible) and all but your middle finger generally mean nothing when "filliped." What I think the sentence is trying to say is:

"A fillip of the finger is a flip of the finger, but don't fillip your middle finger at anyone just because you know how as that is a rude gesture."

You could throw in there a more detailed description that it is called "flipping the bird" but it isn't really neccessary.

The word is good to know, however this one of those words you will very rarely see used in conversational or even in books. I've only heard and read this word used twice in my whole life outside of this post. One last thing, is this from a textbook because if so it is very strange that it jumps from one subject to another so abruptly.

[hiromichi]

Alcarin-san:("san" in Japanese means Mr., Mrs. or Ms. It is convienient when you do not know the person's sex)
Thank you very much for your detailed explanation.
The source is from Dictionary com.
Today's Word:
Fillip (noun)
Pronunciation: ['fi-lip]

Definition: (1) A flick of the finger, a snap made by compressing a finger behind the thumb, then releasing it so that it pops outward to strike against something; (2) anything small and minor, either trivial, as a broken fingernail, or considerable, as a garnish or embellishment of something larger.

Usage: A fillip of the finger is a flip of the finger (but don't fillip the bird to anyone just because you know). As the last sentence indicates, you may use the word as a verb as well as a noun. Outside this bit of versatility, it has no family at all.
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Hiromichi

[Alcarin]

I took 2 years of Nihon-go so I know what "-san" means, but thank you for the explanation nonetheless. I also know the meaning of fillip, as I mentioned in the post above. I was just saying that it isn't a common word and that the sentence was a little unusual.

If you need any further help feel free to message me.
James

[hiromichi]

James-san:
Sorry for teaching my grandmother to suck eggs. (Japanese version: Shaka ni seppou.)
Regards
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Hiromichi