fleer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleer" is correct and usable in written English, though it is quite rare.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that shows scorn or derision, often in the context of mocking or sneering at someone. Example: "He couldn't help but fleer at the ridiculous suggestion made by his colleague."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

1904 January 8 , 1998 Lancaster, Pennsylvania Walter E. Diemer, American businessman who was working as an accountant for the Fleer Chewing Gum Co. when in 1928 he accidentally invented bubble gum while experimenting during his spare time with recipes for a chewing gum base; he later became senior vice president of Fleer (b. 1904 --d. Jan. 8, 1904 --dncaster, Pa.).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fleer started selling Mr. Diemer's gum, calling it Dubble Bubble.

The New York Times

1928 Walter E. Diemer was a young man working as an accountant for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company in Philadelphia.

The New York Times

Surely, the great Williams did not advise pupils to crouch as low as Plantier did, in poses immortalized on Plantier's Fleer and Donruss baseball cards in 1992.

The New York Times - Sports

On "Fleer Ultra," the most rhythmically frenetic workout in the set, he started with a waft of ethereal long tones, his sound heavily processed, before gradually moving on to spidery arpeggios and bulletlike runs.

The New York Times - Arts

In his shop, Benton leaned on a rack of moldy-looking hams and told me of life before Fleer: "I was starving to death in this business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The show travels both blithely and crudely through time, its large, racially mixed cast portraying French Huguenots, Irish famine fleers, Eastern European Jews and Pakistanis in broad strokes that embrace and explode the usual stereotypes.

The New York Times

John Fleer, the former chef at Blackberry Farm, made Benton's ham and bacon a cornerstone of his renowned "foothills cuisine" and told every visiting celebrity chef about his neighbor in Madisonville.

The New York Times

"He's not this sort of unyielding right-wing conservative in his public persona," said Jack D. Fleer, a political scientist at Wake Forest University.

The New York Times

"He doesn't flip-flop, he doesn't attack; he's very calming and reassuring," said Ms. Fleer, who lives in Blacklick, Ohio.

The New York Times

INTERSCOPE PRESENTS The Next Episode Showtime, tonight at 10, Eastern and Pacific times; 9, Central time Directed by Moses Edinborough; Jimmy Iovine, Jillian Fleer, Paul Rosenberg, Randy Sosin and Gene Kirkwood, executive producers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fleer" to describe a facial expression, ensure the context clearly indicates the emotion being conveyed, such as scorn or derision. It's not a commonly used verb in contemporary English, so clarity is important.

Common error

Avoid using "fleer" when a more common synonym like "sneer" or "mock" would suffice, especially in informal writing. "Fleer" carries a slightly archaic tone and might not be immediately understood by all readers.

Linguistic Context

The word "fleer" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of making a wry face or grinning scornfully. As a noun, it refers to someone who flees. Ludwig AI provides examples demonstrating its use in different contexts, confirming its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleer" is a word with dual functionality, operating as both a noun and a verb, primarily associated with expressing scorn or avoidance. While grammatically sound, Ludwig indicates that it is relatively uncommon in modern English, lending itself more to formal or literary contexts. As a result, when choosing between synonyms, consider the audience and context to optimize for clear communication. Predominantly featured in News & Media, its presence in daily conversations is limited, making mindful application critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sneering expression

Similar to "fleer" but focuses on the facial expression of contempt.

contemptuous look

Indicates a look filled with contempt.

scornful grimace

Focuses specifically on the facial expression of scorn.

disdainful countenance

Formal way to express a face showing contempt.

derisive smirk

Emphasizes a mocking or ridiculing smile.

mocking gaze

Highlights the act of looking at someone with mockery.

shun and ridicule

Expresses both the avoidance and mockery aspects of "fleer".

scornful laugh

Highlights the sound of scorn instead of the look.

evasive maneuver

Shifts the meaning towards avoiding or fleeing.

turn away in disgust

Focuses on the physical act of aversion.

FAQs

How can I use "fleer" in a sentence?

You can use "fleer" to describe a facial expression indicating scorn or derision, as in, "He couldn't help but "fleer" at the ridiculous suggestion."

What words can I use instead of "fleer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sneer", "mock", or "gibe".

Is "fleer" commonly used in modern English?

"Fleer" is not a commonly used word in modern English. While grammatically correct, it is considered relatively rare.

What is the difference between "fleer" and "sneer"?

Both "fleer" and "sneer" express contempt, but "fleer" can also refer to fleeing or avoiding, whereas "sneer" primarily refers to a facial expression of scorn.