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Flak Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flak

[flæk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military defense

Flak refers to anti-aircraft fire or the shells used in such artillery. Originally developed in Germany, the term has become synonymous with the actions taken to defend against aerial attacks. This type of fire is typically characterized by a series of bursts around an aircraft to create a defensive perimeter. In a broader context, it can also refer to criticism or opposition, often in reference to public figures or policies.

Synonyms

anti-aircraft fire, criticism, crossfire.

Examples of usage

  • The bomber had to navigate through heavy flak over the target area.
  • Pilots are trained to avoid flak during their missions.
  • The politician received a lot of flak for his recent comments.
Context #2 | Verb

to criticize

To flak someone means to criticize or reprimand them, often unfairly or harshly. This usage reflects the idea of firing at someone, figuratively speaking, as in shooting down their arguments or actions. In media and public discourse, flak can refer to backlash or negative feedback directed at individuals, organizations, or their actions.

Synonyms

attack, criticize, rebuke.

Examples of usage

  • The critics flaked the movie for its lack of originality.
  • After the announcement, the CEO was flaked by various news outlets.
  • He was flaked for his controversial stance on social issues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In contemporary media, figures often receive flak for their opinions or actions, especially in politics and entertainment.
  • The phrase 'you’re gonna catch flak for this' has become a familiar warning in discussions about controversial topics.

Psychology

  • Criticism from others can often trigger defensive reactions in individuals, leading to feelings of anxiety or stress.
  • Receiving unwarranted flak can diminish self-esteem and encourage avoidance of similar situations in the future.

Literature

  • Writers sometimes explore themes of flak and criticism in social commentary, using characters that face backlash for their beliefs.
  • In novels, protagonists often navigate personal growth through dealing with flak, reflecting readers' real-life experiences.

History

  • During wartime, soldiers faced not only fire from the enemy but also flak from their superiors when missions failed.
  • Historical revisions often subject leaders to flak for their decisions, influencing their legacy long after events have passed.

Origin of 'flak'

Main points about word origin

  • Originally a military term from the German word 'Flak', referring to anti-aircraft guns and their fire, starting around World War II.
  • In the 1940s, the word started being used in a more general sense to describe heated criticism, transitioning from the battlefield to everyday language.

The word 'flak' originates from the German word 'Fliegerabwehrkanone' (meaning 'flying defense cannon'), during World War II. It was initially used to describe the anti-aircraft guns themselves and the shells they fired. Over time, the term was abbreviated to 'flak' and became widely adopted in English to refer to any anti-aircraft fire, particularly in an air combat context. In the post-war era, the term evolved further, entering informal language to signify harsh criticism or scrutiny of someone or something, reflecting the earlier metaphor of being 'under fire' from criticism. The dual meaning has maintained its relevance in both military jargon and modern conversational English, illustrating the dynamic nature of language and how words can shift and adapt based on their context.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,665, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.