Word: fluke (noun)

Associations

A "fluke" is something good or lucky that happens by chance, not because of skill or planning. It often means a surprising or unexpected success.

• "Winning the game was a fluke." — The win happened by luck, not because the team was better.
• "I caught the fish by a fluke." — The catch was accidental or lucky.
• "His perfect score was just a fluke." — The high score was unexpected and not usual.

Synonym: "luck" is similar, but "fluke" often suggests a surprising or rare event, while "luck" can be good or bad and more general.

Substitution

You can also say:

• accident (but this can be neutral or bad, not always good)
• chance event
• stroke of luck (more positive)
• coincidence (less about success, more about timing)

Using "fluke" usually means a positive and surprising result.

Deconstruction

The word "fluke" comes from old English and originally meant a type of flat fish. Over time, it changed to mean an unlikely chance or lucky event, like catching a fish by accident.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you succeeded by chance, not by skill?
• How is a "fluke" different from just "luck" in your experience?
• Can a "fluke" happen in school or work? When?