Flop sweat

Posted by ESC January 29, 2003In reply to Flopsweat posted by ESC on January 29, 2003

Hello, I was just wondering whether any one might know the definition and origin of the term "flopsweat". Thanks in advance for any information.

Fear of being a flop?
Sudden, nervous perspiration is called "flop sweat" in the acting profession.
The apocrine sweat glands, nestled in with the hair follicles in your scalp, underarms, and groin, respond to the adrenaline that's produced when people get nervous or scared.
This is a sweat that contains fatty oils that react with the bacteria on the skin's surface, generating a sour smell.
Yuck!!

For a demonstration, see the movie "Broadcast News."

flop sweat -- n. Theater. nervous perspiration caused by fear of failure before an audience. From Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 1, A-G by J.E. Lighter, Random House, New York, 1994. This earliest citation in this reference is: 1966 Susann "Valley of the Dolls" 292: The applause had been deafening on her entrance, but after ten minutes the air was heavy with "flop sweat."