flex

¹

[fleks]

verb (used with object)

1. to bend, as a part of the body.

   He flexed his arms to show off his muscles.

2. to tighten (a muscle) by contraction.

3. to demonstrate (one’s ability, expertise, etc.).

   She’s flexed her marketing skills for various clients in the publishing industry.

4. Slang.,  to boast or brag about; flaunt.

   He’s just not into flexing his success.

verb (used without object)

1. to bend.

2. Slang.,  to boast or brag; show off.

   In his rap lyrics he flexes about his fancy lifestyle.

noun

1. the act of flexing.

2. Slang.,  a boast or brag.

   It's not a flex, but we have the best burgers here.

3. British.

   1. any flexible, insulated electric cord; an electric cord or extension cord.

   2. Slang.,  an elastic band, as a garter.

4. Mathematics.,  an inflection point.

verb phrase

1. flex on,  to brag or show off to; assert one’s dominance or superiority over.

   She’s flexing on her haters by posting new photos of her beautiful family.

flex

²

[fleks]

adjective

1. Informal.,  flexible.

   a flex program of workers' benefits.

flex-

³

Also flexi-.

1. a combining form representing flexible in compound words.

   flextime.

flex

/ flɛks /

noun

1. US and Canadian name: cord. a flexible insulated electric cable, used esp to connect appliances to mains

2. informal,  flexibility or pliability

verb

1. to bend or be bent

   he flexed his arm

   his arm flexed

2. to contract (a muscle) or (of a muscle) to contract

3. (intr) to work according to flexitime

4. to test or display (one's authority or strength)

Word History and Origins

Origin of flex¹

First recorded in 1515–25; (adjective) from Latin flexus, past participle of flectere “to bend, turn”; (noun) from Latin flexus act of bending, equivalent to flect(ere) + -tus suffix of verbal action

Origin of flex²

Shortening of flexible

Word History and Origins

Origin of flex¹

C16: from Latin flexus bent, winding, from flectere to bend, bow

Example Sentences

Though O’Brien is flexing his emotional range here, his hunky sincerity lands in part because Sweeney remains steady in the opposite registry.

From Los Angeles Times

He flexes his metatarsal bones to indicate where he wants a subordinate to sit.

From Salon

But in a time of destabilizing politics, war, famine and a general sense that nothing is really in control, these low-effort expressions offer a little flex of influence.

From Salon

The show of force was so obviously an authoritarian flex that Newsom filed a Freedom of Information Act request demanding to know who authorized what and why.

From Los Angeles Times

They had recently won full control of every statewide office and were tentatively flexing their newfound authority after decades on the sidelines.

From Salon

Related Words

• lean 
• tighten 
• tilt 

When To Use

What else does flex mean?

Flex is a slang term meaning "to show off," whether it be your physique, your belongings, or some other thing you consider superior to those of others. The act of flexing is often criticized as a power move, considered arrogant and insincere.