Search Dictionary
Definition of flimflam

flimflam

/ˈflɪm.flæm/
flim · flam
Plural:flimflams
•
Past Simple:flimflammed
•
Past Participle:flimflammed
•
Present Participle:flimflamming
JUMP TO:

flimflam Lexical Profile

flimflam Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Nonsensical, insincere, or pretentious talk; rubbish or balderdash.

Example

"The spokesperson's explanation was dismissed by reporters as pure flimflam."

2

North American A confidence trick, swindle, or deceptive scheme.

Example

"He lost his savings in a classic real estate flimflam."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flimflam
Antonyms
View all antonyms for flimflam

• verb

1

North American To swindle, cheat, or deceive someone with a confidence trick or persuasive nonsense.

Example

"The con artist tried to flimflam the tourists out of their cash."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flimflam

• Nearby Words

flightline
flightpath
flighty
flimflam
flimsily
flimsiness
flimsy

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the 1530s, 'flimflam' is a reduplicative formation denoting triviality or deception, likely influenced by Scandinavian words such as Old Norse 'flim' (a lampoon or mockery).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flimflam. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flimflam
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.