different between flimsy vs perishable

English

Etymology

Origin uncertain. First used in the 18th century. Perhaps a metathesis of film +? -s +? -y; or related to flimflam.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?fl?mzi/

Adjective

flimsy (comparative flimsier or more flimsy, superlative flimsiest or most flimsy)

1. Likely to bend or break under pressure.

   Synonyms: weak, shaky, flexible, fragile

   Antonyms: robust, strong, sturdy

   • 1715, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The Rivals

     All the flimsy furniture of a country miss's brain.

2. (figuratively) Weak; ill-founded.

   Synonyms: weak, feeble, unconvincing

   Antonyms: well-founded, substantiated

Translations

Noun

flimsy (plural flimsies)

1. Thin typing paper used to make multiple copies.
   • 1977, John Le Carré, The Honourable Schoolboy, Folio Society 2010, p. 251:

     Smiley peered once more at the flimsy which he still clutched in his pudgy hand.

2. (naval slang) A service certificate
   • 1964, Australia. Parliament, Records of the Proceedings and Printed Papers of the Parliament

     A perusal of the comments of officers under whom he has served as recorded in his “flimsies" indicates that he has almost consistently received high commendation for his service.

   • 1994, John Wells, The Royal Navy: An Illustrated Social History, 1870-1982 (page 7)

     Regulations required a commanding officer to render annual confidential reports on the character and ability of his officers - with particular reference to sobriety - on forms known as 'flimsies'.

3. (informal, in the plural) Skimpy underwear.
4. (slang) A banknote.

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English *persishable, perysabyl, equivalent to perish +? -able. Compare Old French perissable.

Noun

perishable (plural perishables)

1. That which perishes or is short-lived.
2. (in the plural) food that does not keep for long.

Translations

Adjective

perishable (comparative more perishable, superlative most perishable)

1. Liable to perish, especially naturally subject to quick decomposition or decay.

Synonyms

• ephemeral
• shortlived

Antonyms

• imperishable
• unperishable

Derived terms

• perishability
• perishableness
• perishably

Translations