a flippant remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flippant remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment that is not serious or is made in a casual, dismissive manner, often in situations where seriousness is expected. Example: "His response to the serious question was just a flippant remark that left everyone feeling frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mr Brewer had initially refused to resign saying his comments were "a flippant remark".

Independent

Brewer initially refused to resign on Wednesday, saying his comments were "a flippant remark".

The Guardian

Quite a flippant remark, considering that it was Kazimieras Uoka, an MP from his own Conservative party, who took out the license for the demonstration.

The Guardian - Opinion

The impetus for the public depilation was what Mr. Hernandez, now a Mets broadcaster, said "was a flippant remark on the air" raising the prospect of shaving his mustache for charity.

The New York Times

Even a seemingly jaded journalist for an English-language daily, who earlier made a flippant remark about knowing as much about Gaga as she knew about him, appeared spellbound.

The New York Times

He authorized harsh interrogation techniques at Guantánamo in December 2002, with a flippant remark about ­forcing detainees to stand for long periods ("I stand for 8 10 hours a day"), but rescinded them the following month.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

However, when the remark was repeated in another newspaper, he contact the author to say that he has no reason to think Cook was murdered and put the remark down to a "flippant comment".

The Guardian

However, when the remark was repeated in another newspaper, he contacted the author to say that he had no reason to think Cook was murdered and that it was a "flippant comment".

The Guardian

Mitterrand's flippant remark to a French journalist a year after the genocide, that "in country's like that genocide is not so important", sums up this policy of disregard and dehumanisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

A photographer died last week at an afterparty and nobody seems to have paid much attention to that at all, bar a few flippant remarks I've overheard while standing in line.

Vice

Many people were furious when Donald Trump Jr. made a flippant Holocaust remark on Thursday morning ― especially GQ news correspondent Keith Olbermann, who responded by calling both Trump and Trump Jr. assholes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a flippant remark", consider your audience and the context. Ensure the tone aligns with the situation to avoid unintended offense or misinterpretation. Remember that humor does not always translate well.

Common error

Avoid using "a flippant remark" in situations that require sensitivity or seriousness. What might seem like a harmless joke can be perceived as disrespectful or dismissive in the wrong context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flippant remark" functions as a noun phrase, where "flippant" modifies the noun "remark". It describes the nature or quality of the remark, indicating it was made without due seriousness. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its usage in describing statements that are inappropriate or dismissive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flippant remark" refers to a statement lacking seriousness, often made inappropriately. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media. While useful for expressing criticism or disapproval, it's important to consider context to avoid unintended offense. Alternatives like "a glib comment" or "a superficial comment" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired effect. Exercise caution to ensure the tone aligns with the situation and avoid being perceived as dismissive or disrespectful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glib comment

Replaces "remark" with "comment" and "flippant" with "glib", suggesting fluency and superficiality.

a facetious comment

Replaces "flippant" with "facetious", emphasizing humor that might be inappropriate.

an offhand comment

Focuses on the casual and unplanned nature of the remark.

a frivolous statement

Shifts from "remark" to "statement" and replaces "flippant" with "frivolous", highlighting lack of seriousness and purpose.

a casual observation

Highlights the informality and lack of deliberation in the remark.

a dismissive statement

Focuses on the act of rejecting or ignoring something through the remark.

a cavalier observation

Uses "observation" instead of "remark" and "cavalier" instead of "flippant", suggesting indifference or a dismissive attitude.

a thoughtless comment

Stresses the lack of consideration and potential insensitivity of the remark.

a lighthearted comment

Replaces "flippant" with "lighthearted", softening the tone to suggest harmless amusement.

a superficial comment

Emphasizes the lack of depth or thoughtfulness in the remark.

FAQs

What does "a flippant remark" mean?

The term "a flippant remark" refers to a comment or statement made without serious thought or consideration, often in a situation where more gravity is expected. It suggests a lack of respect or concern.

How can I use "a flippant remark" in a sentence?

You might say, "His response to the tragic news was just "a flippant remark", which shocked everyone present." Ensure the context warrants a term indicating a lack of seriousness.

What can I say instead of "a flippant remark"?

You can use alternatives like "a glib comment", "a facetious comment", or "a superficial comment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to make "a flippant remark"?

Making "a flippant remark" is generally inappropriate in serious, sensitive, or formal situations, such as funerals, business meetings, or discussions about traumatic events. It's crucial to assess the context before speaking.