It's flying…but not actually flying. It's waving…I'm not sure!
I want to describe when wind flows, certain things 'fly'? or 'wave'?
If the fan is directed to Mike, his hair will _________
Likewise,
Clothes kept on a string for drying will _____ if wind blows harder. [Note -clothes won't get OFF the string, they'll just fly/wave/???]
[In my mother tongue, it's the same word that we have for birds -fly]
My concern is something 'flying' is actually flying without any support [bird flying, aircraft flying]. When the thing is stuck to its source (a scalp for hair, and a string for clothes), does the term 'fly' fit?
Best Answer
It really depends on what you're talking about.
We do actually use fly to describe things that are up in the air but not literally flying, most notably, for flags.
As to the specific examples, there are many options. Including ones you note, there's flap, flutter, float, blow, billow, dance, ripple... and many more. It's all about what sort of emotion or feeling you want to give.
For example, pieces of fabric such as a curtain or sheet might be described to billow:
Or, in a stiffer breeze, to flutter:
If you want to be fancy, you could even say something like:
This gives a very fun and energetic feel, the opposite of billow.
Hair, on the other hand, would probably float in a soft breeze or fly in a stiff wind.
Whichever word you use is part of the artistry of the English language. As you see above, words relating to both air and water movement are possible, and it's largely a matter of personal preference. If you start trying things out, be sure you are able to visualize the movement you're trying to describe.