flippant

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Antonyms 1.3.3 Derived terms 1.3.4 Translations 1.3.5 See also 1.3.6 External links 2 French 2.1 Adjective 2.2 Verb

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• (US) SAMPA: /"flI.pEnt/

[edit] Etymology

From flip, with the original meaning of "nimble". -ant suffix of unclear origins, possibly a corruption of Middle English -inde, a variant of the participial -ing, under the influence of French words in -ant.

[edit] Adjective

flippant (comparative more flippant, superlative most flippant)

1. Lacking respect or seriousness, showing levity; pert.
   • 2000, Anthony Howard and Jason Cowley, Decline and Fall, New Statesman, March 13, 2000

     In the mid-1950s we both wrote for the same weekly, where her contributions were a good deal more serious and less flippant than mine.

   • Sylvia Brownrigg, The Metaphysical Touch

     The conversations had grown more adult over the years--she was less flippant, at least.

   • Allen Carr, Allen Carrs Easyway To Stop Smoking

     Our society treats smoking flippantly as a slightly distasteful habit that can injure your health. It is not. It is drug addiction.

[edit] Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:cheeky

[edit] Antonyms

• serious

[edit] Derived terms

• flippency

[edit] Translations

• French: désinvolte fr(fr), cavalier fr(fr)

[edit] See also

• irreverent
• pert
• facetious
• frivolous

[edit] External links

• flippant in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• flippant in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

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[edit] French

[edit] Adjective

flippant m. (f. flippante, m. plural flippants, f. plural flippantes)

1. (Europe, informal) Surprising.
2. (Europe, informal) Worrying; scary.

[edit] Verb

flippant

1. Present participle of flipper.