flitting

Flitting is the act of moving quickly and lightly, or the behavior of something that moves in short, rapid bursts. As a verb, to flit means to move swiftly and lightly from one place to another, often with a quick or darting motion. As a noun, flitting refers to the act or instance of such movement.

In animals, especially birds and insects, flitting describes rapid, brief movements between perches or flowers, often accompanied by a fluttering or sprightly flight. The term is commonly used in descriptive or poetic writing to convey swift, nimble motion.

In historical British usage, particularly in Scotland, flitting denotes moving one’s residence, typically from one dwelling to another; the phrase “to flit” can imply a rapid relocation, sometimes with little notice or possessions. The practice was once more common in both urban and rural communities.

In slang, the word has appeared as a derogatory term in some 19th- to early 20th-century contexts for a gay man or a person perceived as effeminate. Contemporary usage avoids such connotations, and the term is generally considered outdated or offensive in that sense.

See also terms related to motion, such as darting, fluttering, or rapid movement in animals, as well as historical discussions of residential relocation in the British Isles.