What does it mean to call someone flaky?

[Anonymous]

Means the person was stuck in the fridge for a good rest before baking. And the butter wasn't fully mixed in.

[Anonymous]

twentysomethingmom wrote:I hate it when people call me that. I honor my commitments, I'm actually a much better friend to some of my friends than they are to me (I fly across the country for them, buy them Christmas & birthday gifts even when they forget my birthday completely, listen to their problems for hours on end, help them with job searches and homework, etc. and never ask for anything in return). However, they have actually called me "flaky" because I won't return to the small town where we grew up (where they still live). They think I'm some struggling "urban woman in the city" who doesn't know when to give up and move back home already. Ironically, I'm not a careerist at all; I just want a little more out of my career than what is currently available in my tiny hometown.

Now you're being the first definition of flaky (to your hometown peeps) that was described in the 16:29 post. And it's a good thing (maybe not to them, but to you!)

[Anonymous]

Op here, wow, I guess I am pretty much the definition of flaky then. BUT, I have ADD and two very young, very active kids, plus DH is self-employed so yes, our schedule changes constantly and a lot of times we have to back out of commitments...I have never actually been called this to my face-but I'm pretty sure people think this about me.
I has heard a neighbor say it about someone and I wasn't sure what he meant, but I knew it wasnt a compliment.

[Anonymous]

Had, not has, sorry it's late and I'm tired

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Means the person was stuck in the fridge for a good rest before baking. And the butter wasn't fully mixed in.

This. (from the woman who spent tonight baking)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, flaky can mean two things. The first is someone who's an outlier, who thinks for herself, marches to her own drummer, and doesn't give a crap what people think. Those to me are good qualities on the whole.

The second kind of flaky is what 16:19 said... I knew a flake whose car was an unholy mess, her hair was always in disarray, and she was perpetually late. That's the negative kind of flaky.

Of course, the first kind of flaky and the second kind often mesh, so it's def. a mixed bag.

Wrong.

Don't you just love PP? "Wrong." What kind of response is that? No elaboration or explanation. I said, "For me." That's MY opinion.

You're def not a "flake," PP. You're a pedantic butthead who I'm sure is a lot of fun at parties. Back away.

The point of a common language is to communicate. If everyone used their "for me" definitions, communication would not be possible, would it? And you are wrong, your first definition is that of a free spirit, not a flake. Perhaps you will take this opportunity to reflect on your error. When people try to educate you and you respond with ad hominem attacks, you deepen your ignorance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, flaky can mean two things. The first is someone who's an outlier, who thinks for herself, marches to her own drummer, and doesn't give a crap what people think. Those to me are good qualities on the whole.

The second kind of flaky is what 16:19 said... I knew a flake whose car was an unholy mess, her hair was always in disarray, and she was perpetually late. That's the negative kind of flaky.

Of course, the first kind of flaky and the second kind often mesh, so it's def. a mixed bag.

Wrong.

Don't you just love PP? "Wrong." What kind of response is that? No elaboration or explanation. I said, "For me." That's MY opinion.

You're def not a "flake," PP. You're a pedantic butthead who I'm sure is a lot of fun at parties. Back away.

The point of a common language is to communicate. If everyone used their "for me" definitions, communication would not be possible, would it? And you are wrong, your first definition is that of a free spirit, not a flake. Perhaps you will take this opportunity to reflect on your error. When people try to educate you and you respond with ad hominem attacks, you deepen your ignorance.

Wow. "Sanctimonious" is the word that comes to mind. And I mean that in the way it's universally understood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here, wow, I guess I am pretty much the definition of flaky then. BUT, I have ADD and two very young, very active kids, plus DH is self-employed so yes, our schedule changes constantly and a lot of times we have to back out of commitments...I have never actually been called this to my face-but I'm pretty sure people think this about me.
I has heard a neighbor say it about someone and I wasn't sure what he meant, but I knew it wasnt a compliment.

The "BUT" is the problem. Part of being flaky is blaming your inability to follow through on something you "can't control" -- ADD, the kids, DH, the weather, your horoscope...

Everyone understands when a friend occasionally has to cancel at the last minute because of a sick kid or an unexpected change in plans at home. But when that becomes the rule rather than the exception, it means you are not even trying to be reliable. You're making promises with no real intention to keep them. Many people with kids and husbands and ADD still function in polite society. Get a calendar, make lists, follow through, and you'll lose the flake label.

[Anonymous]

someone who changes their opinions and statements depending on which circle of friends she is in.....not trustworthy and likes to stab people in the back.

[Anonymous]

Not dependable. Saying you'll be on Skype at 7 pm means 7:30 or, maybe not at all. That type of thing.

[Anonymous]

I always thought it meant some who changes their mind all the time.

[Anonymous]

I always thought it meant someone who changes his mind all the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, flaky can mean two things. The first is someone who's an outlier, who thinks for herself, marches to her own drummer, and doesn't give a crap what people think. Those to me are good qualities on the whole.

The second kind of flaky is what 16:19 said... I knew a flake whose car was an unholy mess, her hair was always in disarray, and she was perpetually late. That's the negative kind of flaky.

Of course, the first kind of flaky and the second kind often mesh, so it's def. a mixed bag.

Wrong.

Don't you just love PP? "Wrong." What kind of response is that? No elaboration or explanation. I said, "For me." That's MY opinion.

You're def not a "flake," PP. You're a pedantic butthead who I'm sure is a lot of fun at parties. Back away.

Right

[Anonymous]

Another thread returns from the grave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unreliable. Scatterbrained. Prone to changing course without reason or warning. At first it seems cute and spontaneous, then you just get really annoyed.

THIS is what flaky means. Think about biscuit with flaky layers. Something you can't hold on to, it falls apart and scatters at the touch... Filmsy. A flaky person or a flake is mostly one who you can't count on for much. They don't keep appointments/commitments. They pull out of commitments at the last minute. They make promises and never deliver on them.

From Merriam-Webster:

"a person who is flaky : oddball"

PP maybe shouldn't have called you a butthead, but there is definitely a stick up your ass...