Flouter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flouter

[flaสŠtษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

A flouter is a person who openly disregards or mocks rules, conventions, or social norms. This term is often used to describe someone who acts defiantly or provocatively, often with a sense of arrogance or disdain.

Synonyms

defier, disregarder, mockery.

Examples of usage

  • The flouter of school rules was sent to detention.
  • She became known as a flouter after she ignored the community guidelines.
  • His flouter attitude at work led to conflicts with management.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who flout social norms often do so as a way to assert individuality or challenge authority.
  • Studies suggest that those who frequently flout rules may have a higher tolerance for risk and lower conformity levels.
  • This behavior can be a form of rebellion, influenced by personal experiences and social environments.

Pop Culture

  • Many characters in movies and books are portrayed as flouters, showing how they choose their own path, like rebels or anti-heroes.
  • In popular music, artists often flout traditional themes, leading to new genres and shifts in cultural attitudes.
  • Social media has become a platform where some individuals flaunt their rule-breaking behaviors, attracting followers.

History

  • Throughout history, many famous figures, like revolutionaries, were flouters who stood against oppressive rules and brought change.
  • The Dada movement in art was a radical reaction that flouted the established norms of the time.
  • Flouting laws and norms sometimes led to significant societal shifts, like the civil rights movement.

Literature

  • In classic literature, flouters are often depicted as protagonists challenging the status quo and pushing back against societal expectations.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s plays frequently feature characters who flout rules, highlighting the tension between individual desire and social order.
  • Modern fiction often explores the consequences of flouting regulations in both a comedic and serious manner.

Origin of 'flouter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flouter' comes from the Old French 'flouter' which means to mock or scoff.
  • It is related to the word 'flout' which means to insult or treat with disdain.
  • The use of 'flouter' has been noted in English literature since the early 17th century.

The word 'flouter' originates from the Middle English 'flouten', which means to mock or treat with disdain. It stems from the Old Norse word 'flรบta', meaning to blow or sound, likely suggesting a sense of blowing off someone or something in a contemptuous manner. The term has evolved to signify someone who openly challenges authority or societal norms, especially in a mocking way, gaining a somewhat negative connotation in contemporary usage. As cultures change, the word has adapted to fit the context of social defiance, particularly in youth culture, where flouting conventions can sometimes be seen as a form of self-expression or rebellion.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,418, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.