flippant
/ˈflɪp(ə)nt
/adjective
Not showing a serious or respectful attitude: a flippant remark...
- My boss was very supportive and saw the same flippant attitude I did when she spoke to them.
- In the end the flippant attitude to the lack of car parking will have disastrous consequences for businesses in Skipton.
- Behind the flippant name hides a serious message about religious ignorance.
Synonyms
frivolous, superficial, shallow, glib, thoughtless, carefree, irresponsible, insouciant, offhand;
disrespectful, irreverent, facetious, cheeky, pert, overfamiliar, impudent, impertinent
informal flip
British informal saucy
North American informal sassy
Derivatives
flippantly
/ adverb ...- Her voice taunted him in mock arrogance, but he could tell from the hint of darkness under her eyes that though she meant it flippantly, she was very tired.
- Chris replied flippantly, though his smile was unmistakable.
- Technically, they speak of a purism which redefines the areas of documentary photography in which they may be flippantly or carelessly bracketed.
Origin
Early 17th century: from flip1 + -ant, perhaps on the pattern of heraldic terms such as couchant and rampant. Early senses included 'nimble' and 'talkative', hence 'playful', giving rise to the current use 'lacking seriousness'.
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