What do we call this action in English?

[Freeguy]

What do we call this action in English? Flipping a coin? Coin toss?

 

[Barb_D]

"Coin toss" is a noun, but the action is flipping a coin or tossing a coin, yes.

 

[Freeguy]

Is there another expression for this action?

 

[5jj]

Are the expressions Barb gave you not what you need?

 

[Freeguy]

To be honest with you, I've heard another expression that I don't remember now. Both of Barb's ones would work as I mentioned above. I just asked if there is another one. What's your idea about "Heads or Tails"?

 

[Rover_KE]

When you toss/flip a coin, you invite the other person to call 'heads or tails'.

'Heads or tails' is not a description of the action.

 

[Raymott]

You could call it "the sudden release of a flexed thumb from obstruction by the index finger, allowing the resultant forceful thumb extension to propel a coin into the air while simultaneously imparting a spin to the coin such that participants may wager on the outcome."

 

[MikeNewYork]

:lol:

 

[Rover_KE]

You could call it "the sudden release of a flexed thumb from obstruction by the index finger, allowing the resultant forceful thumb extension to propel a coin into the air while simultaneously imparting a spin to the coin such that participants may wager on the outcome..."

...by randomly selecting 'obverse' or 'reverse'.

 

[dodonaomik]

"Coin toss" is a noun, but the action is flipping a coin or tossing a coin, yes.

I thought of an American excellent movie No Country for Old Man and there is a very good setence about the phrase.

 

[Tdol]

What's your idea about "Heads or Tails"?

It's not standard, but it's readily understood. If someone asked if you wanted to heads or tails, you'd get the idea, but it's not a standard form that I have heard.

 

[MikeNewYork]

"Heads or tails" is very common in the US.

 

[dodonaomik]

"Heads or tails" is very common in the US.

Yes! It seems very useful. And if one goes to the US, he or she may hear the phrase.
Please see the figure that's similarly from No Country for Old Men.