unflappable

English

WOTD – 29 February 2012

Etymology

From un- + flap (to upset, stir) + -able.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ʌnˈflæpəbəl/
  • (file)

Adjective

unflappable (comparative more unflappable, superlative most unflappable)

  1. Remaining composed and level-headed at all times; impossible to fluster; not becoming frustrated or irritated easily. [from 1954]
    Synonyms: collected, cool, even-keeled, imperturbable
    Antonym: flappable
    • 1959, The Economist, volume 190:
      The whole thing looked remarkably like an implacable force meeting an unflappable object.
    • 1978, James D. Margach, The abuse of power: the war between Downing Street and the media from Lloyd George to Callaghan:
      It was for this reason that when Lord Hailsham first described Harold Macmillan as "unflappable'", it became an instant catchword, distancing the incoming Prime Minister from his predecessor

Translations

This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.