In Northern Ireland and Ireland (at least), a
fluke (pronounced
flook) is a verb meaning to win against the odds. It can also be used as a noun meaning something won against the odds or someone who wins that way.
Fluke tends to be a positive appreciation of good luck, rather than a denial of the win. It can be used to playfully reject someone's win though, or to
be humble about one's own win.
(In appreciation of someone winning): "Whoa,
flukey. Well done!"
(In
bemused disbelief that someone won a football game): "Jeez, how did you score that goal? You weren't even kicking it right. What a
fluke!"
(In happy humility after winning): "Thanks. It was just a fluke really".
(When someone beats you in a game, but you're convinced you'll win next time): "
Fluke! Let's go again."
(To tell a story without it seeming boastful): "Well, the whole thing was a fluke really. Back in early Spring, I..."
