Flippant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flippant

[ˈflɪpənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

casual conversation

Showing a lack of respect or seriousness, especially in a situation that requires careful consideration or sensitivity.

Synonyms

cheeky, facetious, frivolous, glib, impertinent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flippant	Used to describe someone who is not taking something as seriously as they should, often in a manner considered disrespectful. He made a flippant remark about the accident that upset everyone
frivolous	Used to describe actions or behaviors that lack seriousness or sense, often trivial or silly. Spending money on such frivolous items when we have bills to pay is irresponsible
facetious	Indicates joking or jesting, especially inappropriately or at the wrong time, can be misunderstood as not serious or dismissive. While discussing serious policies, his facetious comment about politics was not appreciated
glib	Describes speech that is smooth but shallow or insincere, can imply deceitfulness or lack of depth. His glib answers during the interview seemed rehearsed and untrustworthy
cheeky	Best suited for playful and mildly disrespectful behavior, often in a humorous way. Usually carries a more affectionate tone. The student gave a cheeky grin after making a joke during the lecture
impertinent	Used when someone is being rude or showing a lack of respect, especially towards someone who deserves deference. The child's impertinent question embarrassed his parents

Examples of usage

He made a flippant remark about the seriousness of the situation.
She was criticized for her flippant attitude towards the project.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

humorous context

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude, often in a humorous way.

Synonyms

playful, quip, sarcastic, witty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flippant	Used when someone is being disrespectful or not taking a serious situation seriously. It often has a negative connotation. Her flippant attitude towards the meeting annoyed her colleagues. He made a flippant comment about the accident that upset everyone.
witty	Used when someone is clever and humorous in their speech. This term generally has a positive connotation but can be neutral too. Her witty comments always light up the conversation. He is known for his witty comebacks in every discussion.
playful	Used when someone is being light-hearted and intends to have fun. This word usually has a positive connotation. The children were in a playful mood, chasing each other around the yard. His playful banter made the party more enjoyable.
sarcastic	Used when someone says something that they do not mean in order to mock or convey contempt. This term often carries a negative connotation. Her sarcastic remark about his cooking hurt his feelings. He couldn't help but make a sarcastic joke when he saw the state of the room.
quip	Used when someone makes a clever or witty remark in a quick and often humorous way. It's neutral but can be positive if perceived as clever. She had a perfect quip for every situation. His quip about the weather made everyone laugh.

Examples of usage

His flippant response made everyone laugh.
The comedian's flippant jokes were a hit with the audience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People who exhibit flippant behavior may often struggle with managing serious emotions or stress.
Flippancy can be a defense mechanism to avoid dealing with uncomfortable feelings or situations.
Some studies suggest that humor, including flippant remarks, can help cope with anxiety but might have a negative impact in more serious contexts.

Art and Literature

In literature, flippant characters often serve to provide comic relief but can also illustrate a critical perspective on serious themes.
Famous authors like Oscar Wilde used flippant dialogue to expose the absurdities of society and human behavior.
Flippancy in art can sometimes provoke thought, challenging viewers to consider deeper meanings behind the casual façade.

Pop Culture

Many comedic films feature flippant characters whose lightheartedness clashes with serious events, creating humor.
Television shows like 'The Office' often include flippant humor to soften tense workplace situations.
The prevalence of flippant language in memes reflects current social attitudes towards serious topics, often blending humor with critique.

Sociolinguistics

Flippant communication can vary culturally; some societies value directness, while others may view it as disrespectful.
In conversations, frequent flippancy can lead to misunderstandings, as listeners may perceive dismissiveness instead of humor.
The rise of digital communication allows for more flippant exchanges, often lacking the traditional cues of seriousness present in face-to-face interactions.

Origin of 'flippant'

Main points about word origin

The word 'flippant' comes from the early 19th century, derived from the verb 'flip,' meaning to toss or throw away.
Originally, it described a light or frivolous manner, reflecting a carefree or disrespectful attitude.
The suffix '-ant' typically denotes someone who performs an action, implying a person who frequently takes things lightly.

The word 'flippant' originated in the late 16th century from the verb 'flip,' meaning 'to make a flicking movement.' Over time, it evolved to describe someone who makes light or casual remarks, often in a disrespectful or insincere manner. The negative connotation of 'flippant' suggests a lack of seriousness or depth in communication.

See also: flip, flippancy, flippantly, flipper.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,588, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25585 meme
25586 fjord
25587 depopulation
25588 flippant
25589 vacillating
25590 caboose
25591 thwarting
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