flaky

Or flak·ey

[fley-kee]

adjective

flakier, flakiest 

1. of or like flakes.

2. lying or cleaving off in flakes or layers.

3. Slang.,  eccentric; wacky; dizzy.

   a flaky math professor.

flaky

/ ˈfleɪkɪ /

adjective

1. like or made of flakes

2. tending to peel off or break easily into flakes

3. Also: flakey. slang,  eccentric; crazy

Other Word Forms

• flakiness noun
• flakily adverb
• nonflakily adverb
• nonflakilyness noun
• nonflaky adjective
• unflaky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flaky¹

First recorded in 1570–80; 1965–70 flaky for def. 3; flake ¹ + -y ¹; sense of flaky def. 3 probably flake ⁴ + -y ¹, though influenced by flake ¹

Example Sentences

They were looking at “scurfy” mice; males are unexpectedly born with flaky skin and enlarged spleens and only live for a few weeks, because their organs are attacked by their own immune cells.

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It’s then finished off with sliced persimmon, thyme leaves, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

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Spoon over the orange-zest-and-fennel squash — warm or room temp — and hit it with a pinch of flaky salt.

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The stuffed dough is then pre-cut into wedges that puff up and become flaky, buttery pastries once they’re finished baking in the over.

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Crunchy and smooth shrimp croquettes, bright and flaky Basque ham and asparagus tarts, briny confit tuna and conserved-tomato toast, crisp then juicy, and pistachio white chocolate mousse.

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Related Words

• crazy 
• eccentric 
• goofy 
• nutty 
• odd 
• unconventional 
• wacky 
• whacky