flasher

American  

[flash-er] / ˈflæʃ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that flashes.

2. a flashing flash light operated by a switching device that automatically turns it on and off alternately.

3. a signal light on an automotive vehicle that can be made to flash, as to indicate the intention of making a turn or to call attention to a vehicle that has slowed or stopped in a hazardous place.

4. the switching device that operates such a light.

5. Slang.  a person, especially a man, who exposes the genitals suddenly, and usually briefly, in public.

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flasher British  

/ ˈflæʃə /

noun

1. something that flashes, such as a direction indicator on a vehicle

2. slang  a person who indecently exposes himself

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Etymology

Origin of flasher

First recorded in 1605–15; flash + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The time and the place for spoons, flashers, dodgers and hoochies.

From Seattle Times

"I'm not going to start turning into a flasher after all these years in the business," he said.

From BBC

Powers activated her emergency flashers as Langfitt wandered into the road and tried to stop oncoming traffic, pounding on the windows and hood of cars.

From Seattle Times

A speed-display sign showed some drivers going 37 to 38 mph at 4:20 p.m. when most kids were gone, but the 20 mph flashers still blinked.

From Seattle Times

It was not long before die-hard flashers discovered mosaics that were damaged or missing — often from theft — and began to repair and replace them.

From New York Times