flim flam etymology

Etymology:

• "Flim flam" is an American colloquialism that originated in the early 19th century.

• Its exact origin is uncertain, but several theories exist:

  • It may derive from "flam" or "flamm," meaning "deceit" or "nonsense," and "flim," an intensifier.
  • It could also come from the Romani (Gypsy) word "phlim," meaning "something stolen," as in "getting flimmed."
  • Some speculate it is a corruption of "fly flap," used to describe worthless or shoddy goods.

Meaning:

• Flim flam refers to:
  • Deception, trickery, or swindling
  • Nonsense, gibberish, or empty promises
  • Something of little value or substance

Origin:

• The term first appeared in American slang around 1830.
• It gained popularity in the 1850s, during the California Gold Rush, when it was used to describe fraudulent practices by con artists.
• By the end of the 19th century, "flim flam" had become a widely-used colloquialism, signifying any kind of trickery or deceit.

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