flick

Definition

A short, quick movement, especially a brush, sweep, or flip.

Etymology

From Middle English flykke (“light blow or stroke”). Later uses apparently interpreted as a back-formation from flicker. The use of flick to mean a film or movie derives from the fact that early films had a low frame rate, thus causing the film to "flick" rapidly when projected onto a screen.

Example Sentences

• "He removed the speck of dust with a flick of his finger."
• "She gave a disdainful flick of her hair and marched out of the room."
• "On this occasion it was Nolan's deft flick that fooled West Ham's sleepy defenders Danny Gabbidon and Tomkins. The ball found its way to Best, who smashed in with confidence from the edge of the area."