flimsy

English

Uncertain. First used in the 18th century. Perhaps a metathesis of film +‎ -s +‎ -y; or related to flimflam.

flimsy (comparative flimsier or more flimsy, superlative flimsiest or most flimsy)

Likely to bend or break under pressure.
Synonyms: weak, shaky, flexible, fragile
Antonyms: robust, strong, sturdy
He expected the flimsy structure to collapse at any moment.
- 1715, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The Rivals
  All the flimsy furniture of a country miss's brain.
(figuratively) Weak; ill-founded.
Synonyms: weak, feeble, unconvincing, unfounded, unsubstantiated
Antonyms: well-founded, substantiated
a flimsy excuse

likely to bend or break under pressure

weak; ill-founded

flimsy (plural flimsies)

Thin typing paper used to make multiple copies.
- 1977, John Le Carré, The Honourable Schoolboy, Folio Society 2010, p. 251:
  Smiley peered once more at the flimsy which he still clutched in his pudgy hand.
(naval slang) A service certificate
- 1964, Australia. Parliament, Records of the Proceedings and Printed Papers of the Parliament
  A perusal of the comments of officers under whom he has served as recorded in his “flimsies" indicates that he has almost consistently received high commendation for his service.
- 1994, John Wells, The Royal Navy: An Illustrated Social History, 1870-1982 (page 7)
  Regulations required a commanding officer to render annual confidential reports on the character and ability of his officers - with particular reference to sobriety - on forms known as 'flimsies'.
(informal, in the plural) Skimpy underwear.
- 2007 October 25, Ruth La Ferla, “Now It’s Nobody’s Secret”, in New York Times‎:
  Choosing lingerie “is about what makes you look good, but also what looks good with or through your clothing,” said Monica Mitro, a spokeswoman for Victoria’s Secret, the brand that catapulted racy flimsies into the public eye.
(slang) A banknote.

Thin typing paper used to make multiple copies