What it means
An old flame is someone you used to date or fancy back in the day. The flame bit is the spark you had, and even if it's long gone, seeing them can still make your stomach do that stupid little flip. Often said with a mix of nostalgia and relief, like you've dodged a bullet but still remember the fireworks.
Usage examples
"Ran into my old flame at the supermarket and we both pretended the avocados were fascinating. Had a quick chat, then escaped before it got weird."
"She bumped into an old flame at the wedding and they talked all night."
"He still keeps a photo of an old flame from his university days."
"My old flame slid into my DMs last night and suddenly I was remembering bad decisions in HD."
"Saw an old flame down the pub and we did that weird little smile people do when history's in the room."
Got something to say?
Edit, fix or tell us something. We review it and, if it is true, you will see it applied with your name on it.
Where it comes from
This one’s old and well settled in English. Flame has meant a lover or romantic interest since at least the 17th century, built on the long-running idea that love burns hot. Old flame shows up by the 19th century for someone you were once involved with, emotionally or romantically, and that spark is now history.
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.
