FLIPPANCY Meaning and
Definition
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Flippancy is a noun that refers to the act or quality of being frivolously disrespectful or not taking something seriously. It describes a light-heartedness or casualness that may border on insensitivity or lack of thoughtfulness. In this context, flippancy can be seen as a display of disdain, irreverence, or a disregard for propriety.
Someone who exhibits flippancy often makes sarcastic or witty comments without considering how they may be received or without regard for the seriousness of a situation. This attitude can come across as disrespectful, impertinent, or even mocking. Flippancy can be observed in both speech and behavior, such as using a flippant tone or adopting a nonchalant attitude while discussing serious matters.
While flippancy may sometimes be used as a defense mechanism or a way to cope with difficult situations, it is generally considered inappropriate or offensive. It can undermine the gravity of serious discussions, trivialize important matters, and show a lack of empathy towards others. It is important to distinguish between humor and flippancy, as humor is often well-intentioned and can be used to diffuse tense situations, while flippancy tends to come across as careless and disrespectful.
In summary, flippancy is a negative quality characterized by a lack of seriousness, disregard for propriety, and often displayed in the form of frivolous or sarcastic comments.
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Fluency of speech; heedless pertness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FLIPPANCY
Etymology of FLIPPANCY
The word "flippancy" has its roots in the Middle English language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "flippian", which means "to mock" or "to jest". This Old English term evolved into the Middle English word "flippant", which originally meant "to be talkative" or "to babble trivially". Over time, the meaning of "flippant" shifted to convey the sense of being disrespectful or lacking proper seriousness. From "flippant", the word "flippancy" was derived, referring to the quality or state of being flippant.
Similar spelling words for FLIPPANCY
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