Flippancy: meaning, definitions and examples

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flippancy

[ˈflɪpənsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in conversation

Lack of respect or seriousness; lightness or frivolity in behavior, especially in serious matters.

Synonyms

frivolity, impertinence, irreverence, levity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flippancy	Use this word when describing inappropriate or disrespectful lightheartedness or casualness, especially in serious situations. His flippancy during the meeting was not appreciated by his colleagues
frivolity	This word is best for referring to a lack of seriousness or sense, often when something or someone is being silly or trivial. It is generally more neutral than 'flippancy'. The party was filled with frivolity, as everyone was enjoying the light-hearted games and laughter
levity	This word is appropriate for describing a lightness in mood or approach, often in situations where a more serious tone might be expected. It can sometimes be seen as inappropriate. His attempt to introduce some levity in the tense meeting by telling a joke helped ease the atmosphere a bit
irreverence	This word is used when showing a lack of respect for things generally taken seriously, such as institutions, traditions, or beliefs. His irreverence for the ceremony was evident when he started making jokes during the solemn event
impertinence	Use this word to describe behavior that is disrespectfully bold or rude. It has a negative connotation. Her impertinence towards the teacher resulted in a detention

Examples of usage

He replied with flippancy when asked about the company's financial situation.
Her flippancy towards important issues often irritated her colleagues.
The politician's flippancy during the debate did not sit well with the audience.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

writing

A casual or offhand manner; lack of proper respect or seriousness.

Synonyms

carelessness, disrespect, insouciance, nonchalance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flippancy	Best used when describing a light-hearted or playful attitude that might be seen as inappropriate in serious situations. Her flippancy during the meeting showed a lack of understanding of the gravity of the issue
nonchalance	Used to describe a calm and relaxed manner that suggests someone is not worried or affected by what is happening around them. He accepted the criticism with nonchalance, showing no signs of being upset
carelessness	Used when describing a lack of attention or effort, which might lead to mistakes or unintended negative consequences. His carelessness in handling the documents led to several errors
insouciance	Ideal when describing a relaxed and carefree attitude, not worrying about potential problems or consequences. Her insouciance about deadlines often frustrated her more punctual colleagues
disrespect	Applies when someone shows a lack of respect, often in a way that can be seen as rude or offensive. The teenager's disrespect towards his teachers was a constant problem at school

Examples of usage

The author's flippancy in addressing the sensitive topic was criticized by reviewers.
The professor did not appreciate the student's flippancy in class discussions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'flippancy' comes from the verb 'flip', meaning to throw or toss lightly.
It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, emerging from a blend of personal and playful attitudes.
The suffix '-ancy' often indicates a state or quality, so flippancy refers to the quality of being light-hearted.

Psychology

Flippancy can serve as a defense mechanism, helping individuals cope with uncomfortable situations by making light of them.
Research indicates that overuse of flippancy in serious contexts can diminish one’s credibility and impact in professional settings.
People often respond to flippant remarks with confusion or frustration when faced with serious issues.

Literature

Many classic literary characters utilize flippancy to highlight contradictions in societal norms, often mocking the serious characters.
In Shakespeare's works, flippant dialogue is used to create humor or lighten the mood, even during tense situations.
Flippancy can also reflect a character's inner turmoil, serving as a mask for deeper emotions in novels and plays.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures interpret flippancy uniquely; in some cultures, it may be seen as disrespectful, while in others, it may be a sign of wit.
In social media culture, flippancy is often embraced in memes and humorous content, blurring the lines of serious discourse.
Comedians frequently employ flippant humor to address serious topics, allowing audiences to engage with challenging subjects in a lighter way.

Communication

Non-verbal communication, such as tone and body language, can amplify flippant remarks and make them seem even less serious.
Experts suggest balancing flippancy with sincerity, particularly in professional settings, to maintain respect and clarity.
The use of sarcasm often overlaps with flippancy, creating ambiguity in communication that can lead to misunderstandings.

Translations

Translations of the word "flippancy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 frivolidade

🇮🇳 उद्दंडता

🇩🇪 Leichtsinn

🇮🇩 kelancangan

🇺🇦 легковажність

🇵🇱 lekkomyślność

🇯🇵 軽薄

🇫🇷 frivolité

🇪🇸 frivolidad

🇹🇷 hafiflik

🇰🇷 경솔함

🇸🇦 طيش

🇨🇿 lehkovážnost

🇸🇰 ľahkomyseľnosť

🇨🇳 轻浮

🇸🇮 lahkomiselnost

🇮🇸 léttúð

🇰🇿 жеңілтектік

🇬🇪 მარტივობის

🇦🇿 yüngüllük

🇲🇽 frivolidad

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,890 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32887 dumpy
32888 spud
32889 forlornly
32890 flippancy
32891 petrel
32892 orientate
32893 gloated
...