Is this an English idiomatic expression? "in the flip-flops" Hi, let me ask you some questions. Q1) : What exactly does that mean, this part "in the flip-flops"? The phrase is used in the movie and

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Is this an English idiomatic expression? "in the flip-flops" Hi, let me ask you some questions. Q1) : What exactly does that mean, this part "in the flip-flops"? The phrase is used in the movie and Jack Black says like this "see you cats in the flip-flops". I could determine the meanings of "cats" from the scene, which means "guys".. I wonder if it should be "flip-flap"? If so, it makes much sense to me... Q2) : Is this phrase commonly used around the world nowaday as farewells? Or, Is this an English idiomatic expression? This might be a stupid question but I'm going to ask it because I actually liked sound of it... Your help is very much appreciated as always.

May 12, 2014 7:10 PM

Answers · 10

Leigh did explain what the flip flops are, so if he said "I'll see you cats in the flip flops", that would mean "I will see you wearing beach footwear". However, he told the kids "I will see you cats on the flip flop" which I believe means simply later. On the flip side would mean after something, on the other side, so maybe on the flip flop means tomorrow or after a break, I can't remember if something specific happens in the movie at that point.

May 12, 2014

This bit? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5kboQKXnDQ It turns out that the occasional blogger quotes this. :) So it's basically a movie quote, and not an idiom. You can farewell a friend by saying "see/catch you on the flip side". The part "on the flip side" literally refers to the B-side of a single(song) on vinyl release (before CDs or even cassette tapes). Figuratively, it means "another time". Jack Black has taken this slang expression and made it more slangy by saying "flip flop" - so now it's a rather ridiculous and nonsensical thing to say, but that's his character. Calling people "cats" is slightly old slang as well.

May 12, 2014

Flip flops are open plastic sandals - something that you would wear to the beach.

May 12, 2014

Peachey's thorough answer is excellent, in my opinion. I'd only add a couple of comments: First; the slang term "cat" or "cats" comes from the parlance of Jazz musicians. So, for musicians the occasional use of this word is not so out-of-date. For example: "Miles Davis played some phenomenal jazz. He was such a cool cat!" Second; Peachey explained "flip-side" well, which is what you were actually looking for ... but the other word "flip-flops" equals ゴムぞうり。 That same word, in another context can mean to change a belief (often without much conviction). For example: "That damn politician flip-flopped again just to gain political advantage!"

May 13, 2014

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