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Glite Dictionary
The Flintstones

The Flintstones

10 3.8
A cartoon family who live in the Stone Age in an American TV show
  • proper noun
  • /ðə ˈflɪnˌstoʊnz/
: Los Picapiedra
  • The humor in The Flintstones often revolves around the contrast between prehistoric life and modern conveniences.
  • the Flintstones cartoon series
  • movie version of The Flintstones

Examples

  • Did you ever see The Flintstones movie?

  • The humor in The Flintstones appeals to both kids and adults.

  • Many children in the 1960s watched The Flintstones every Saturday morning.

  • Collectors often seek memorabilia from The Flintstones television series.

  • I watched an episode of The Flintstones last night.

  • The animated series The Flintstones showcases the daily lives of a Stone Age family.

  • Fred and Wilma Flintstone are iconic characters from the animated series The Flintstones.

Surface Forms

The Flintstones main

Morphology

the + Flintstones

This is a proper name formed from elements that cue 'flint' and 'stones', so a learner who knows those words and the definite article can infer a stone-related family or group; however, the full meaning as a specific fictional Stone Age family and a popular animated TV series is a cultural reference that cannot be fully derived from the parts alone. Because the constituents provide a partial clue but not the complete, culturally specific meaning, the expression is best judged semi-transparent.

Etymology

The Flintstones may come from the words flint, a hard rock used to make fire, and stones, which together make a funny family name. This image of a family named for rocks helps you remember they are a made-up 'Stone Age' family from a TV show.