flipped out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flipped out" is not usually used in formal writing.
It is sometimes used in informal contexts to mean "angry" or "excited" or "overwhelmed." For example, "My little sister flipped out when I told her she couldn't have a pet pig."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I flipped out," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"She completely flipped out".

The Guardian

"We flipped out," Mr. Kothari said.

The New York Times - Tech

"We flipped out," he said.

The New York Times

"Dustin flipped out," Carnahan says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I just flipped out when I heard".

The Guardian

"The audience flipped out," Ms. Phillips said.

The New York Times

"Rodenstock just flipped out," she said.

The New Yorker

"My father-in-law flipped out about it," Jones said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I flipped out when I heard," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Flipped-out Prison.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flipped out" to convey a sense of strong, often sudden, emotional reaction in informal contexts. Ensure the tone matches the situation to avoid miscommunication.

Common error

Avoid using "flipped out" in formal writing or professional settings. It's better suited for casual conversations or narratives that benefit from its informal tone. Use more neutral synonyms, such as "became upset" or "reacted strongly", in professional correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flipped out" is as a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a clause to describe a sudden, intense emotional or behavioral reaction. Ludwig shows that it is usually describing actions and emotions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flipped out" is a phrasal verb used to describe a sudden and intense emotional or behavioral reaction, such as excitement, anger, or shock. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct but primarily suited for informal contexts like casual conversations or narratives, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in News & Media and Wiki sources. While it effectively conveys strong emotion, it should be avoided in formal writing in favour of more neutral alternatives such as "became upset" or "reacted strongly". Remember to use it thoughtfully to ensure the tone matches the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

freaked out

Synonymous with "flipped out", both indicate a state of panic or extreme excitement.

went crazy

Indicates a state of extreme excitement or anger, similar in intensity to "flipped out".

lost it

Implies a sudden loss of control, often emotionally, similar to "flipped out" but slightly less intense.

lost their mind

Suggests a temporary state of irrationality or emotional overwhelm, similar to the emotional aspect of "flipped out".

had a meltdown

Suggests an emotional breakdown or loss of composure, akin to losing control as implied by "flipped out".

went ballistic

Implies a violent or uncontrolled outburst, a more intense version of "flipped out".

went into a panic

Highlights the sudden onset of fear or anxiety, similar to the reactive nature of "flipped out".

became hysterical

Emphasizes an uncontrollable emotional state, often involving crying or panic, similar to one aspect of "flipped out".

became enraged

Focuses specifically on intense anger, a more formal alternative to "flipped out".

became agitated

Suggests a state of restlessness and unease, a milder form of emotional disturbance than "flipped out".

FAQs

What does "flipped out" mean?

"Flipped out" is an informal phrasal verb that generally means to become extremely excited, angry, or lose control of one's emotions. It can also describe a surprising or shocking reaction to something.

How can I use "flipped out" in a sentence?

You might say, "She "flipped out" when she won the lottery" to indicate extreme excitement, or "He "flipped out" when he found out someone scratched his car" to show anger.

What can I say instead of "flipped out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "lost it", "freaked out", or "became enraged". The best choice depends on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is "flipped out" appropriate in formal writing?

No, "flipped out" is generally considered too informal for formal writing. Opt for more neutral or professional synonyms such as "became upset" or "reacted strongly" in such contexts.