Flipar

Flipar is a colloquial verb present in Spanish and Portuguese that denotes a strong emotional reaction, typically being astonished, impressed, or overwhelmed. In use, it can express either positive or negative intensity, depending on context. The related adjective flipado (or flipada) describes a person who is astonished, excited, or overly impressed, while flipando refers to the ongoing act or state of being overwhelmed. The term is strongly informal and uncommon in formal writing.

Etymology and meanings are linked to the concept of flipping or turning over, with influences from English slang such as flip out. The exact origins are unclear, but the word entered Iberian slang through popular speech and media, becoming a widely understood marker of heightened reaction.

Usage and regional variation: In Spanish, flipar is used to convey that something is highly surprising, spectacular, or bizarre. Common expressions include phrases equivalent to “that blew me away” or “that’s crazy.” In Portuguese, flipar likewise signals strong surprise or enthusiasm in informal conversation, though regional variants may favor other slang terms in everyday speech. The verb is typically avoided in formal contexts, where more neutral verbs like asombrar, sorprender, or impressionar are preferred.

See also: alucinar, asombrar, sorprender, entusiasmar. Note that flipar can carry connotations of being under the influence of drugs in some contexts, so speakers usually tailor its use to casual or youth-oriented speech and avoid it in formal or sensitive settings.