Definition

A politician's reversal of a previously stated position—the cardinal sin of politics, because voters apparently prefer consistency to evolving views based on new information.

Example Usage

The candidate's flip-flop on healthcare destroyed his credibility with core supporters.

Origin

From the footwear term 'flip-flop,' suggesting instability and lack of commitment

Fun Fact

Politicians will often argue they didn't flip-flop but 'evolved,' 'learned new facts,' or 'changed circumstances'—semantics as political survival.

Source: Political rhetoric terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

Stonewalling

A delaying or obstructive tactic, often used in scandal response by refusing to cooperate with investigations or provide information. It's what you do when you can't deny something and hope everyone forgets.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

opacity

The opposite of transparency; when government operations are deliberately obscure or hidden from public view. What politicians actually practice while praising transparency.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

exit poll

Surveys of voters immediately after they've cast ballots, offering the media a chance to predict results before they're official and occasionally be spectacularly wrong. It's democracy's spoiler alert, assuming people tell strangers the truth about their votes.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

ex officio

Holding a position by virtue of one's office rather than by election or appointment to that specific role. The 'you're already here, might as well join this committee too' principle of government organization.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Advanced

red

A political label for anyone who supports communism, socialism, or revolution—dating back to Bolsheviks waving red flags. During the Cold War, calling someone 'red' was an accusation more serious than modern internet insults.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Advanced

Political Capital

The invisible currency of influence that politicians earn by winning elections and spend by doing anything remotely controversial. It's like social credit but the exchange rate fluctuates based on whatever is trending on the news that day.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Translate This Term

See “Flip-Flop” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

dygtp

did you get the picture...