What does backflip mean?
A backflip is an acrobatic movement in which a person jumps into the air and rotates completely backwards, landing on their feet. It is a staple of gymnastics, trampolining, diving, cheerleading, parkour, and various extreme sports, and it is widely regarded as one of the most visually impressive feats of athletic agility. Executing a backflip requires explosive leg power, precise spatial awareness, and confidence, since the performer cannot see the ground during much of the rotation. Beyond athletics, the word carries a well-established figurative meaning: an abrupt reversal of a decision or stated position, particularly in political commentary. In British, Australian, and other Commonwealth journalism, a politician accused of a 'backflip' has changed course dramatically, often under pressure. This dual usage gives the word a lively character, linking physical daring with rhetorical about-turns. Whether literal or figurative, a backflip implies speed, drama, and a complete change of orientation.
An act of leaping backwards into the air and completing a full backward rotation before landing on the feet.
"He celebrated the goal with a celebratory backflip."
Countable noun with regular plural 'backflips'.
An abrupt reversal of a decision, policy, or previously held opinion.
"The minister's backflip on the tax reform angered her supporters."
Figurative use, especially common in British, Australian, and New Zealand English; informal register.
Regular countable plural used for both the acrobatic sense and the figurative sense of a policy reversal.
"The routine ended with three consecutive backflips."
The backflip is one of the few words that describes both an acrobatic feat and a politician changing their mind — the metaphorical version rarely lands on its feet either.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of backflip
The word 'backflip' is a transparent compound of 'back' and 'flip', formed in English to describe a backward rotational leap; 'flip' itself likely derives from the verb 'to flip', of uncertain but probably imitative or expressive origin. The compound appears to have arisen in the nineteenth or early twentieth century alongside the popularization of gymnastics and circus performance. Because it is an English compound rather than a borrowing, it has no true cognates in other languages, though related compounds such as 'back handspring' belong to the same descriptive family of acrobatic terms.
How backflip is actually used
The physical sense is standard in both American and British English. The figurative political sense — an abrupt reversal of stance — is common in British (especially Australian and UK) journalism and is informal in register; American English more often uses 'U-turn' or 'flip-flop' for this meaning.
Easily confused with backflip
A front flip is a forward somersault rotating toward the front of the body, whereas a backflip rotates backwards.