What is the origin of the phrase "flippin' heck"?

Question

What is the origin of the phrase "flippin' heck"?

Question #96179. Asked by crazycube.
Last updated Aug 25 2016.

Related Trivia Topics: Linguistics Idioms and Proverbs

zbeckabee

Answer has 7 votes

Currently Best Answer

zbeckabee

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Answer has 7 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Flipping (adj.) as euphemism for f***ing is British slang first recorded 1911 in D.H. Lawrence.

flippin 'eck / 'ell - - (flippin heck/hell) a mild form of exclamation which is a euphemism for the word 'f***ing'. O.K. to use in front of your Nan!

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=flipping&searchmode=none

http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/f.htm

Response last updated by satguru on Aug 25 2016.
May 30 2008, 9:45 AM

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Answer 1

markswood
Answer has 5 votes

markswood
17 year member
578 replies avatar

Answer has 5 votes.

Heck is a euphemism for Hell and flippin' is a euphemism for the other F word.
So it is a polite way of swearing, without offending anyone.
I can only find a reference for heck:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heck

May 30 2008, 4:04 AM

Answer 2

satguru

Answer has 2 votes

satguru

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21 year member
1250 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.

We had someone in my drama group (he was only about 12) who used to tell people to 'flip off'. I don't think I've ever heard anyone else use it like that (not surprisingly) and wonder how he was taught to as well.

May 30 2008, 7:50 PM

What is the origin of the phrase "flippin' heck"?

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