where did the term ''flapper'' originate from?

Answer 1

"The term flapper first appears in Britain, though the etymology is disputed. It may be in reference to a young bird flapping its wings while learning to fly, or it may derive from an earlier use in northern England of flapper to mean "teenage girl" (whose hair is not yet put up), or "prostitute". While many in the United States assumed at the time that the term flapper derived from a fashion of wearing galoshes unbuckled so that they could show people their bodies as they walked, the term was already documented as in use in the United Kingdom as early as 1912."

"Flapper : Origins" : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flapper#Origins

" flapper :
"forward young woman," 1921 slang, from flap (v.), but the exact connection is disputed. Perhaps from flapper "young wild-duck or partridge" (1747), with ref. to flapping wings while learning to fly; but other suggested sources are late 19c. northern Eng. dialectal use for "teen-age girl" (on notion of one with the hair not yet put up), or an earlier meaning "prostitute" (1889), which is perhaps from dial. flap "young woman of loose character" (1613)."

Online Etymology Dictionary : http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=flapper&searchmode=none

Answer 2

A young duck.
But the first flappers came along in 1913, not the 20s.

Answer 3

During the 1920's I believe. The popular style of dress was a loose dress that flapped in the wind quite a bit. The girls who wore them were known as "flappers". However, the term was also a derogatory one as the girls known as flappers were also known to be rather loose sexually (for that day).

Answer 4

The skirts of "flappers" are often prone to, well, flapping.

Answer 5

The dances popular during that era, such as the Charleston and the Lindy, included vigorous arm flapping.

Answer 6

It came from the roaring twenties. ~
A young woman, especially one in the 1920's who showed disdain for conventional dress and behavior.