flimsy

Etymology

Origin uncertain. First used in the 18th century. Perhaps a metathesis of film +‎ -s +‎ -y; or related to flimflam.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈflɪmzi/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

flimsy (comparative flimsier or more flimsy, superlative flimsiest or most flimsy)

1. Likely to bend or break under pressure; weak, shaky, flexible, or fragile.

   He expected the flimsy structure to collapse at any moment.

   • Sheridan

     All the flimsy furniture of a country miss's brain.

2. (figuratively) Weak; ill-founded.

   a flimsy excuse

Noun

flimsy (plural flimsies)

1. Thin typing paper used to make multiple copies.
   • 1977, John Le Carré, The Honourable Schoolboy, Folio Society 2010, p. 251:

     Smiley peered once more at the flimsy which he still clutched in his pudgy hand.

2. (informal, in the plural) Skimpy underwear.
   • 2007 October 25, Ruth La Ferla, “Now It’s Nobody’s Secret”, in New York Times‎:

     Choosing lingerie “is about what makes you look good, but also what looks good with or through your clothing,” said Monica Mitro, a spokeswoman for Victoria’s Secret, the brand that catapulted racy flimsies into the public eye.