What does flap mean in English lessons?

In English lessons, "flap" typically refers to a specific phonetic phenomenon where a consonant sound, usually /t/ or /d/, is pronounced with a quick, light tapping of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. This is often observed in American English, particularly in Words like "butter" or "ladder," where the /t/ or /d/ sound is softened. Flapping can affect the clarity and understanding of spoken language, making it an important aspect of phonetics in English learning.