flippant
What does "flippant" mean?
Flippant describes a person or their attitude when they fail to show the seriousness or respect that a situation demands. It evokes the image of someone "flicking" away a serious issue as if it were a speck of dust, treating something grave with a dismissive or lighthearted tone. While being lighthearted can sometimes be positive, "flippant" is almost always used critically. It suggests that the speaker is being tactless, superficial, or even rude by making jokes or offhand remarks when they should be attentive and earnest.
"flippant" in conversation
Work meeting
I don't think we hit our quarterly targets, so we need a plan.
I don't think we hit our quarterly targets, so we need a plan.
Relax, it's just numbers, who cares?
Relax, it's just numbers, who cares?
Mark's comment is a classic example of a flippant response to a serious problem.
Discussing a funeral
It's a really sad day for the family.
It's a really sad day for the family.
Well, at least he doesn't have to pay rent anymore, right?
Well, at least he doesn't have to pay rent anymore, right?
Jordan's attempt at humor is considered highly flippant given the somber context.
"flippant" in a sentence
She made a flippant remark about the teacher.
She made a flippant remark about the teacher.
It is inappropriate to be flippant during such a solemn ceremony.
It is inappropriate to be flippant during such a solemn ceremony.
His flippant attitude toward the project's failure ultimately cost him his position.
His flippant attitude toward the project's failure ultimately cost him his position.
