Words / C1

FLIP-uh-nt/ˈflɪpənt/

Flippant means not showing serious respect for something that deserves it: a flippant remark, a flippant caption. Cheeky is milder and everyday; a joke in the footer is not an ethics minute.

Meaning

Not showing serious respect for something that deserves it.

Examples

• “A flippant caption is not an ethics minute.”
• “Cheeky is milder. Facetious is the close twin. A caption is tone. A signed minute is a file. Sign the minute; then keep the joke if the board still wants it in the newsletter.”

Good to know

Cheekily unserious. Close: facetious. A caption ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

facetious, cheeky, irreverent

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