Definition of the word flick through

The phrase "flick through" is a colloquial expression used to describe the action of quickly flipping or turning the pages of a book, magazine, or other printed material, often in a leisurely or casual manner. The expression is thought to have originated in the early 20th century in British English, where "flick" was a common slang term for a quick, abrupt movement, often associated with snapping or twitching. In the context of page-turning, "flicking" referred to the quick movement of the hand required to turn a page, resulting in a sound somewhat reminiscent of a flicking noise. The verb "through" here refers to the act of going through a book or other publication from beginning to end. The expression "flick through" has since acquired a broader meaning, however, and is now commonly used to describe the action of browsing or skimming through a text without necessarily reading every page or detail.