Flanking refers to the act of positioning oneself at the side of something. The spelling of flanking can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈflæŋkɪŋ/. The "fl" sound is pronounced with the tip of the tongue against the upper front teeth. The "a" vowel sound is pronounced with the tongue low and front, while the "n" and "k" sounds are pronounced with the tongue in the back of the mouth. The final "ing" sound is pronounced with the soft palette, with the "g" being a voiced velar stop.
Flanking is a military strategy referring to the act of redirecting or surrounding the opponent's forces from a side angle in order to gain a strategic advantage. This maneuver is typically executed by swiftly moving troops or units, such as infantry or cavalry, to attack the enemy from their vulnerable or exposed flank. By catching the enemy off guard and attacking their unguarded side, flanking is a tactic designed to disrupt their formation, create confusion and panic, and potentially force them into retreat or surrender.
In addition to the military context, flanking can also be employed in other domains, such as sports or business. In sports, particularly team sports like football or soccer, flanking involves a player or players quickly moving towards the sides of the opposing team's defense to create opportunities for scoring or cross-passing. This strategy often aims to outwit and overwhelm the opponents, breaking their defense's structure and allowing for goal-scoring opportunities.
Similarly, in a business context, flanking refers to a strategic move by a company to enter or penetrate a market using an alternative or unconventional approach. Rather than directly challenging established competitors, a company may identify an untapped niche or innovative method to capture market share, taking advantage of a particular weakness or gap in the existing competition. This flanking maneuver allows the company to gain an advantage by surprise, delivering a unique value proposition that differentiates it from the competition and attracts customers to its offerings.
Attacking on the side; commanding on the flank.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "flanking" has its origins in military terminology. It comes from the Old French word "flanchier", which means "to bend" or "to turn aside". This word, in turn, is derived from the Late Latin word "flancus", meaning "flank" or "side". The term was initially used to describe the maneuver of surrounding or attacking the sides of an enemy's formation in military tactics, and over time, its meaning extended to other contexts outside of warfare as well.