flippant remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flippant remark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone makes a joke or comment that is not respectful of a serious situation. For example, "I was taken aback when he made a flippant remark about losing his job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 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

Just like his flippant remark about wanting Paraguay to beat England.

The Guardian - Sport

I think the main thing is that we are all making it up as we go along, one heart-wrenching decision or flippant remark at a time.

Princeton University

Few Russians have forgiven him for the extraordinarily flippant remark he made when he finally gave his assessment of what had happened to the Russian navy's $1bn flagship.

The Guardian - Books

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

You don't make flippant remarks.

The Guardian

"Sometimes flippant remarks like that are indicative of what his actual feelings are".

The New York Times

"Flippant remarks such as those you chose to use today only serve to reinforce the gap in understanding.

The Guardian

It doesn't help anyone to make flippant remarks about a disease about which you obviously have no personal knowledge or experience.

Harvard University

Not even Ryanair, surely, would charge passengers to use the toilet at 30,000ft, despite Michael O'Leary's recent flippant remarks on the subject.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flippant remark" to describe a comment that lacks seriousness, especially when seriousness is required. This suggests a lack of respect or consideration for the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "flippant remark" to describe genuinely funny or witty comments. "Flippant" carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of appropriate respect or seriousness. Make sure the context warrants the negative judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flippant remark" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a specific type of statement characterized by its lack of seriousness or respect, as shown in Ludwig’s examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flippant remark" accurately describes a statement that lacks appropriate seriousness, often conveying disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is used less frequently in academia and science, it remains a valuable tool for critical analysis. When using "flippant remark", be aware of its negative connotation and reserve it for situations where a lack of respect or seriousness is genuinely present. As with any criticism, ensure that the context warrants the judgment and avoid using it simply to dismiss humor. Alternatives such as "careless comment", "glib statement", and "offhand comment" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the precise shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

careless comment

Emphasizes the lack of thought behind the statement.

glib statement

Highlights the superficiality and lack of sincerity.

offhand comment

Focuses on the casual and unplanned nature of the remark.

thoughtless utterance

Stresses the absence of consideration before speaking.

facetious comment

Implies the remark was intended as a joke, but inappropriately.

cavalier statement

Highlights the dismissive and indifferent attitude.

superficial observation

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the comment.

irresponsible statement

Focuses on the potential negative consequences.

inconsiderate remark

Highlights the lack of empathy or regard for others' feelings.

casual observation

Stresses the informality and lack of serious intent behind the remark.

FAQs

How to use "flippant remark" in a sentence?

You can use "flippant remark" to describe a disrespectful comment, such as: "His "flippant remark" about the tragedy was met with outrage".

What can I say instead of "flippant remark"?

You can use alternatives like "careless comment", "glib statement", or "offhand comment" depending on the context.

Is "flippant comment" or "flippant remark" more appropriate?

"Flippant remark" and "flippant comment" are largely interchangeable, but "remark" suggests a slightly more formal or deliberate statement than "comment".

What's the difference between a "flippant remark" and a sarcastic one?

A "flippant remark" lacks appropriate seriousness, while sarcasm uses irony to convey contempt or mockery. A sarcastic remark might also be flippant, but not necessarily.