Etymology

Attested since 1591. Origin according to NEO is uncertain, but according to SAOB, it stems from Norwegian flikkja, "light-hearted or irresponsible woman", and flikkja, "hussy; tramp; slut", which are in turn related to flikja/fleikja, "gape; to open oneself" (used about clothing). Possibly related to the modern Swedish word flik, "flap".