fillip

[ fil-uhp ]

noun

1. an act or instance of striking something with the nail of a finger snapped from the end of a thumb; a smart tap or stroke.
2. anything that tends to rouse, excite, or revive; a stimulus:

   Praise is an excellent fillip for waning ambition.

verb (used with object)

1. to strike with a fillip.
2. to tap or strike smartly.
3. to drive by or as by a fillip:

   Anticipation filliped his passion.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a fillip with the fingers.

fillip

/ ˈfɪlɪp /

noun

1. something that adds stimulation or enjoyment
2. the action of holding a finger towards the palm with the thumb and suddenly releasing it outwards to produce a snapping sound
3. a quick blow or tap made by a finger snapped in this way

verb

1. tr to stimulate or excite
2. tr to strike or project sharply with a fillip
3. intr to make a fillip

Word History and Origins

Origin of fillip¹

First recorded in 1525–35; late Middle English filip, fylippe, philippe “to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger”; expressive word of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of fillip¹

C15 philippe , of imitative origin

Example Sentences

His administration touted the move as “a fillip to the economy,” but it should help him politically, too.

From Quartz

She could not wait to see her little son Fillip and “was dying to take a shower,” she said.

From The Daily Beast

There was a brief fillip in the afternoon when it was reported that Obama and Boehner had spoken on the phone.

From The Daily Beast

The fillip given would have been far, far greater than that which the mere numbers (1,200 for the Division) would seem to imply.

From Project Gutenberg

This was quite an event, and gave a fillip to the inertness of Madame de Fontanges, whose curiosity was excited.

From Project Gutenberg

This was a pleasant fillip to me, who am just now ready to be dispirited on the slightest pretext.

From Project Gutenberg

I tell you this, sir: I 'd rather a man would give me a fillip on the nose than talk to me about luck.

From Project Gutenberg

And if necessary to give a fillip to languishing competition, do so by a concession in rates.

From Project Gutenberg