flippant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "flippant" is correct and widely used in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective, and when used it implies that something is said or done in a flippant or careless manner. For example, "The manager's flippant response to the customer's complaint was unfair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Byrne may sound flippant, but scientists have long been fascinated by the question of whether comedians have a common psychology.

The Guardian

In an essay on Knausgaard, the novelist Hari Kunzru suggested that this desire for the kinds of spiritual renewal propagated by these writers made the "Hitlerian provocation of the title… more than a flippant joke".

The Guardian - Books

It is understandable that there are those for whom these trainers are bad reminders of the Atlantic slave trade and the plantation system, with a flippant disregard for centuries of human suffering and exploitation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his own way, he may even appreciate that his personality and his achievements, in human relationships as much as in competitive sport, tend to force his admirers towards flippant hyperbole.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, says Mr Gudkov of Levada, this self-mockery was not a reasoned rejection of the Soviet system; it was playful and flippant.

The Economist

Flippant jokes about Freemasons, bizarre punctuation and leaden travelogue about the roast lamb that the author ate for lunch add to the reader's feeling of frustration.Most of the book, as Mr Smith acknowledges, is based on other people's scholarly efforts.

The Economist

The comparison is not as flippant as it sounds: it is thanks precisely to the PAP's economic policies that Singaporeans can afford their sneakers and mobile phones.The PAP is also good at reinventing itself.

The Economist

In an otherwise detailed and well thought-out book Mr Bregman lets his readers and himself down by mentioning it as just a flippant throwaway at the end.

The Economist

And perhaps the 1960s hedonism and puerile individualism that "The Boat" celebrates seem, in the post-credit-crunch world, more flippant than heroic.The 1970s, on the other hand, with their volatility and humiliation, have come to seem more relevant, almost a kindred decade (though the fact that much of what is now the cultural establishment grew up then may also be a factor in their salience).

The Economist

Mr Key's flippant response was widely criticised.

The Economist

He was responding to a theoretical question during a debate at Stanford University, but his response reinforced the perception that Google had higher priorities than addressing the problem.Such a flippant attitude has not gone down well with advertisers, who are up in arms about the problem.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flippant" to describe a lack of seriousness when addressing serious matters to emphasize the inappropriateness of the attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "flippant" in situations where lightheartedness or humor is intended and appropriate, as it can suggest a lack of respect rather than genuine amusement.

Linguistic Context

The word "flippant" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a manner or attitude characterized by a lack of seriousness or respect. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flippant" is a common adjective used to describe a lack of seriousness or respect, often in situations where such levity is inappropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and finds frequent use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When writing, remember that being "flippant" can be perceived negatively, so use it judiciously to accurately convey a disapproving attitude toward a lack of seriousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glib

Similar in suggesting a superficial or insincere attitude, often marked by ease and fluency of speech.

cheeky

Implies a boldness or impudence that can border on disrespect, but often in a playful way.

disrespectful

More directly indicates a lack of respect and can be a stronger term than "flippant".

impertinent

Suggests rudeness or inappropriateness, especially towards someone of higher status.

facetious

Describes treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor, similar to "flippant".

frivolous

Highlights a lack of seriousness and a focus on trivial matters.

cavalier

Conveys an offhand or disdainful attitude, indicating a lack of concern.

airy

Similar, lighter way of saying without much thought or care.

thoughtless

Emphasizes the lack of consideration or thoughtfulness in someone's words or actions.

superficial

Indicates a lack of depth or thoroughness, often in dealing with serious subjects.

FAQs

How can I use "flippant" in a sentence?

You can use "flippant" to describe remarks or behaviors that show a lack of seriousness about something that should be respected. For instance, "His "flippant" comments during the memorial service were inappropriate."

What's a less harsh alternative to "flippant"?

Depending on the context, consider using words like "lighthearted", "casual", or "playful" if you want to convey a less critical tone than "flippant".

Is there a difference between being "flippant" and being "sarcastic"?

Yes, while both can involve a lack of seriousness, "flippant" implies a dismissive attitude towards something important. On the other hand, sarcasm involves using irony to mock or convey contempt.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as "flippant"?

It's appropriate to use "flippant" when someone is behaving without due respect for a situation that calls for seriousness or sensitivity. For example, describing someone's response to a tragic event as "flippant" indicates their lack of appropriate emotional engagement.