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flippant

adjective
flip·​pant | \ ˈfli-pÉ™nt How to pronounce flippant (audio) \

Definition of flippant

1 : lacking proper respect or seriousness
2 archaic : glib, talkative
Other Words from flippant Synonyms & Antonyms Does flippant Have a Positive or Negative Connotation? Example Sentences Learn More about flippant

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Other Words from flippant

flippantly adverb

Does flippant Have a Positive or Negative Connotation?

Flippant did something of a flip-flop shortly after it appeared in English in the late 16th century. The word was probably created from the verb flip, which in turn may have originated as an imitation of the sound of something flipping. The earliest senses of the adjective were "nimble" and "limber." One could be flippant not only on one's feet, but also in speech—that is, someone flippant might have a capacity for easy, flowing speech. Such flippancy was considered a good thing at first. But people who speak freely and easily can sometimes seem too talkative, and even impertinent. By the end of the 18th century, the positive sense of flippant had slipped from use, and the "disrespectful" sense had taken its place.

Examples of flippant in a Sentence

As far as he was concerned, we were an unforgivably flippant bunch. Louche. Our shared political stance … struck him as pathetically naive. — Mordecai Richler, GQ, November 1997 … although she is neither solemn nor pontifical, she may be the least flippant advice columnist in the business. — Ray Olson, Booklist, 1 May 1991 Despite its flippant name, the Greed Index has proven a remarkably prescient barometer of the market during the past 16 years. — Richard E. Rustin, Wall Street Journal, 29 May 1984 He made a flippant response to a serious question. his flippant comment that the poor save on taxes offended many people
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The outrage over Spencer’s flippant comments wasn’t because of young George’s status. — Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, "#boysdancetoo: While male dancers still face bullying, pros try to help," 28 Aug. 2019 In between his flippant one-liners and sincere thank yous, Jagger was all business. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Rolling Stones rock Rose Bowl as NASA announces ‘Rolling Stones Rock’ on Mars," 23 Aug. 2019 Thousands of protestors hit the streets of San Juan over the weekend after leaked private chats revealed the Governor and his inside circle making flippant, mocking, and crass comments. — Tatum Dooley, Teen Vogue, "Protestors in Puerto Rico Are Using Makeup to Make a Political Statement," 18 July 2019 Monday is the four-year anniversary of Kessel’s trade from the Maple Leafs to the Penguins, which spurred a same-day column from the Toronto Sun that painted Kessel as food-obsessed and flippant. — Richard Morin, azcentral, "Coyotes' Tocchet: 'The young guys are going to like' playing with Phil Kessel," 1 July 2019 The breakout star of the series was sassy, smart, urbane and flippant Lance Loud. — Tim Sommer, Billboard, "From '70s Reality TV Star to Queer Underground Rock Hero: Celebrating Lance Loud," 25 June 2019 With four fashion shows and several sneaker drops, Rihanna and company championed a flippant, hifalutin kind of cool that was more about looking awesome than feeling awesome in one’s skin. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "Rihanna’s Reportedly Launching a Luxury Fashion Brand—What Will It Look Like?," 18 Jan. 2019 This is not the only time Graham has been flippant and dismissive toward Ford and other accusers in the Kavanaugh case. — Dylan Matthews, Vox, "Graham is repeatedly, glibly dismissing Christine Blasey Ford’s accusations.," 27 Sep. 2018 And yet some critics have already pounced on the premise of the show, suggesting that the very concept is flippant and insensitive. — Daniel Arkin /, NBC News, "New game show 'Paid Off' offers chance to eliminate student loan debt," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flippant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of flippant

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for flippant

probably from flip entry 1 — see flip entry 1

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More Definitions for flippant

flippant

adjective
How to pronounce flippant (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of flippant

: lacking proper respect or seriousness

See the full definition for flippant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

flippant

adjective
flip·​pant | \ ˈfli-pÉ™nt How to pronounce flippant (audio) \

Kids Definition of flippant

: not respectful or serious a flippant response

Other Words from flippant

flippantly adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on flippant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for flippant

Spanish Central: Translation of flippant

Nglish: Translation of flippant for Spanish Speakers

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