First Known Use: 1599
Dictionary
flippant
adjective flip·pant \ˈfli-pənt\
: lacking proper respect or seriousness
Full Definition of FLIPPANT
2
: lacking proper respect or seriousness
— flip·pant·ly adverb
See flippant defined for English-language learners
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Examples of FLIPPANT
- 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
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Origin of FLIPPANT
probably from 1flip (see 1flip)
Related to FLIPPANT
- Synonyms
- cute, facetious, flip, pert, smart, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-ass, smart-assed, smarty-pants, wise, wiseass
FLIPPANT Defined for Kids
flippant
adjective flip·pant \ˈfli-pənt\
Definition of FLIPPANT for Kids
: not respectful or serious <a flippant response>
— flip·pant·ly adverb
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