flatfoot
flatfoot Lexical Profile
flatfoot Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A postural condition in which the arch of the instep is flattened so that the entire sole of the foot rests upon the ground.
"The podiatrist recommended custom orthotic insoles to relieve the discomfort caused by his flatfoot."
North American A police officer or detective, especially one who patrols a beat on foot (informal or slang).
"In classic noir novels, the private investigator often clashes with a local flatfoot."
American A traditional style of solo percussive folk dance from the Appalachian region, characterized by keeping the feet close to the floor.
"Fiddlers played a lively tune while elders demonstrated traditional Appalachian flatfoot on the porch."
• verb
American To perform a traditional Appalachian percussive step dance with the feet kept close to the floor.
"She learned to flatfoot from her grandfather at community square dances in Virginia."
North American To walk, patrol, or hurry along on foot (informal).
"The officers had to flatfoot it down the alley when the patrol car could not fit through the narrow gap."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the medical condition, the plural is typically 'flatfeet' (or written open as 'flat feet'), whereas the plural for the slang sense meaning a police officer is strictly 'flatfoots'.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed as a compound of 'flat' and 'foot' in the 17th century to describe the anatomical condition; the American slang sense for a police officer emerged in the early 20th century, alluding to the effect of walking street beats on pavement.