The spelling of "belly flop" reflects its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription: /ˈbɛli/flɒp/. The word consists of two syllables, with stress on the first syllable ("BEL-ly"). The "e" in "belly" is pronounced as "eh" (/ɛ/) and the double "l" indicates a longer "l" sound. "Flop" is pronounced with a short "o" (/ɒ/) and a soft "p" (/p/) at the end. The word refers to a diving technique where a person lands flat on their stomach and belly region upon hitting the water.
Belly flop, as a noun, refers to a diving technique or style characterized by a person landing flat on their stomach instead of entering the water smoothly. This term is most commonly associated with pool or high diving competitions, where athletes undertake intricate maneuvers in mid-air before making a graceful entry into the water. However, a belly flop describes the opposite experience, implying a failed or unsatisfactory execution of the dive.
Alternatively, belly flop can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or endeavor that results in failure, disappointment, or lack of success. In this context, a belly flop conveys a sense of disappointment, frustration, or embarrassment.
As a verb, to belly flop signifies the act of executing this diving technique or style. It involves performing a dive with insufficient control, causing the diver to land on their stomach with a significant, often painful, impact.
Derived from the literal experience of the body hitting the water's surface flat on the stomach, belly flop has become a widely recognized term that not only describes a specific diving style but also symbolizes failure or an unsuccessful outcome.
The word "belly flop" has a simple and self-explanatory etymology. It combines the words "belly", referring to the front of the human body, and "flop", which means to fall or collapse heavily and awkwardly. When someone performs a belly flop, they jump or dive into water, hitting the surface with their belly facing downward, often resulting in a loud and unpleasant sound.