Flamboyance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flamboyance

[flamˈbɔɪəns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in fashion

The quality of being strikingly bold or colorful in appearance or behavior.

Synonyms

boldness, colorfulness, exuberance, vibrancy.

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Word Description / Examples
flamboyance

This word is best used to describe someone or something that is very flashy, showy and catches a lot of attention. It often has a positive connotation implying confidence and flair.

  • Her flamboyance on stage makes her performances unforgettable.
  • The designer's fashion show was known for its flamboyance.
exuberance

Exuberance is best used to describe a state of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness. This word conveys an image of lively enthusiasm.

  • The children's exuberance was evident as they ran through the playground.
  • Her exuberance for life is contagious.
vibrancy

Use this word to describe something that is full of energy and life, often with an emphasis on bright colors or liveliness. It's generally positive and can describe both people and environments.

  • The vibrancy of the city's nightlife is one of its main attractions.
  • The artist's work is known for its bright colors and vibrancy.
boldness

Use this word to describe a characteristic of being brave, fearless, and willing to take risks. It suggests a sense of determination and courage.

  • He showed great boldness when he spoke up against the unfair policy.
  • The boldness of her decisions has led the company to new heights.
colorfulness

This word is often used to describe a variety or mixture of bright colors or to characterize something lively and engaging. It's usually neutral and can be applied to both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • The colorfulness of the festival attracted tourists from around the world.
  • His storytelling is appreciated for its vivid colorfulness.

Examples of usage

  • Her flamboyance in dressing always turns heads.
  • The flamboyance of his personality made him the life of the party.
  • The actor's flamboyance on stage captivated the audience.
  • His flamboyance in design made him a trendsetter in the industry.
  • The flamboyance of the artwork caught everyone's attention.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • In art and design, flamboyance can refer to styles that incorporate bright colors and extravagant patterns, often meant to invoke strong emotional responses.
  • The Baroque period is known for its flamboyant art, characterized by exaggerated motion and clear detail to produce drama and grandeur.
  • Modern artists like Andy Warhol embraced flamboyance through vibrant pop art, pushing the boundaries of traditional aesthetics.

Fashion

  • Flamboyant fashion often incorporates bold colors, extravagant accessories, and unique, avant-garde designs that break from the norm.
  • Fashion icons like Elton John are known for their flamboyant style, using clothing to express individuality and uniqueness.
  • The emergence of drag culture has celebrated flamboyance in performance, highlighting the art of transformation and self-expression.

Psychology

  • People exhibiting flamboyance might be seen as extroverts, often thriving in social settings due to their confident and vibrant demeanor.
  • Studies suggest that flamboyant behavior can be linked to high self-esteem and a willingness to take risks in social situations.
  • Flamboyance can serve as a form of self-assertion, allowing individuals to challenge societal norms and express their true selves.

Cultural Representation

  • Flamboyance in various cultures often symbolizes creativity and freedom, serving as a way to celebrate diversity and individual expression.
  • Carnival festivals around the world, such as Rio de Janeiro's, showcase flamboyance through parades filled with extravagant costumes and performances.
  • In LGBTQ+ culture, flamboyance is often seen as a celebration of identity and pride, challenging stereotypes and embracing uniqueness.

Origin of 'flamboyance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French verb 'flamber,' which means 'to flame or to blaze,' reflecting its bright and eye-catching nature.
  • First recorded use in English was in the 19th century, illustrating a trend towards colorful fashion and bold personalities in society.
  • The term has evolved to describe not just fashion but also personalities that are larger than life and attention-grabbing.

The word 'flamboyance' originates from the French word 'flamboyant,' which means 'flaming' or 'flame-colored.' It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe a strikingly bold or colorful appearance or behavior. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a sense of exuberance and vibrancy in various contexts, particularly in fashion and personality traits.


See also: enflame, flambeau, flamboyant, flamelet, flamer, flames, flamethrower, flaming, flammable, inflame, inflaming, inflammable, inflammation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,711, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.