How Do You Spell FLAM?

Pronunciation: [flˈam] (IPA)

Flam is spelled with four letters, but its pronunciation is more complex than one might expect. According to IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /flæm/. The initial sound of the word is the voiceless consonant /f/, followed by the short vowel /æ/. The last two letters, “am”, create the sound of the voiced consonantal nasal /m/. This word is often used in the context of percussion music, where a flam is a rhythmic effect created by striking two adjacent drumsticks together.

FLAM Meaning and Definition

  1. Flam (noun):

    1. A musical technique in drumming or percussion, primarily used in rudimental drumming or marching band arrangements. A flam occurs when two strokes are played rapidly, with the second stroke slightly delayed and softer than the first. As a result, a distinctive sound is produced where alternate hands strike the drum in quick succession, creating a double-hit effect.

    2. In the context of ballroom dancing, a flam refers to a quick stomping or stamping action taking place on the standing foot, usually performed to accentuate a particular beat or rhythm in the music. This action is often executed in Latin dances like the rumba or salsa to add flair and emphasis to the dance steps.

    3. Informal slang meaning a lie, deception, or trick. Commonly used in British English, the term "flam" is occasionally employed to describe dishonest or fraudulent behavior, particularly when someone is trying to fool or deceive others.

    4. A small explosion or burst of flames. In this sense, "flam" is commonly used in pyrotechnics or as an archaic term for a sudden and brief burst of fire.

    5. Informal slang used to describe a particularly flamboyant, stylish, or ostentatious individual. This usage is often associated with the LGBTQ+ community, where "flam" is used affectionately to describe someone who is flamboyant, boldly expressive, or extravagant in their mannerisms, appearance, or dress.

    Overall, "flam" has various different meanings depending on the context, ranging from musical techniques to slang expressions, each holding its own significance and interpretation.

Common Misspellings for FLAM

  • flpam
  • flzam
  • flazm
  • flsam
  • flwam
  • flawm
  • flqam
  • flaqm
  • flajm
  • flamj
  • lfam
  • fflam
  • fllam
  • flaam
  • nlam
  • Flcm
  • flamb
  • f lam
  • fl am
  • fla m

Etymology of FLAM

The word "flam" has a somewhat convoluted etymology. In its musical sense, "flam" refers to a technique used in percussion, particularly in drumming. It involves striking the drumstick against the drumhead while allowing the other end of the stick to rebound and create a "parasitic" or secondary stroke with a weaker sound, sort of like an echo.

The term "flam" originated in the late 16th century in the context of drumming. It is derived from the Dutch word "vlam", meaning "a stroke", which signifies the action of striking the drumstick. This Dutch term, in turn, can be traced back to the Old High German word "flahm" meaning "flame" or "tongue of fire".

Plural form of FLAM is FLAMS

Conjugate verb Flam

CONDITIONAL

I would flam
you would flam
he/she/it would flam
we would flam
they would flam

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be flamming
you would be flamming
he/she/it would be flamming
we would be flamming
they would be flamming

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have flam
you would have flam
he/she/it would have flam
we would have flam
they would have flam

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been flamming
you would have been flamming
he/she/it would have been flamming
we would have been flamming
they would have been flamming

FUTURE

I will flam
you will flam
he/she/it will flam
we will flam
they will flam

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be flamming
you will be flamming
he/she/it will be flamming
we will be flamming
they will be flamming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have flammed
you will have flammed
he/she/it will have flammed
we will have flammed
they will have flammed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been flamming
you will have been flamming
he/she/it will have been flamming
we will have been flamming
they will have been flamming

IMPERATIVE

you flam
we let´s flam

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to flam

PAST

I flammed
you flammed
he/she/it flammed
we flammed
they flammed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was flamming
you were flamming
he/she/it was flamming
we were flamming
they were flamming

PAST PARTICIPLE

flammed

PAST PERFECT

I had flammed
you had flammed
he/she/it had flammed
we had flammed
they had flammed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been flamming
you had been flamming
he/she/it had been flamming
we had been flamming
they had been flamming

PRESENT

I flam
you flam
he/she/it flams
we flam
they flam

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am flamming
you are flamming
he/she/it is flamming
we are flamming
they are flamming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

flamming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have flammed
you have flammed
he/she/it has flammed
we have flammed
they have flammed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been flamming
you have been flamming
he/she/it has been flamming
we have been flamming
they have been flamming

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: