Is it flicking or flickering?

Is it flicking or flickering, both flicking and flickering are valid English words but have different meanings and uses, so correct word depends on what you want to say. Flicking means quick light movement or strike, like flicking switch meaning quickly flipping switch, flicking finger meaning quickly moving finger, flicking through pages meaning quickly flipping through pages, with flicking being present participle of flick meaning quick light action. Flickering means unsteady wavering light going on and off quickly, like lights flickering meaning lights going bright dim rapidly, candle flickering meaning flame wavering in wind, with flickering being present participle of flicker meaning to burn unsteadily or flutter. So difference is flicking is intentional quick movement or strike, like flicking a lighter, flicking a ball, while flickering is involuntary unsteady wavering of light or movement, like light flickering, eyelid flickering. So is it flicking or flickering, if you mean light going on and off, use flickering, if you mean quickly flipping or striking, use flicking, for example lights are flickering not flicking, you are flicking switch not flickering switch, so correct word depends on context, flicking for quick action, flickering for unsteady wavering light.