flippant

[flip-uhnt]

adjective

1. frivolously disrespectful, shallow, or lacking in seriousness; characterized by levity.

   The audience was shocked by his flippant remarks about patriotism.

   Synonyms: impudent, impertinent, saucy

2. Chiefly Dialect.,  nimble, limber, or pliant.

3. Archaic.,  glib; voluble.

flippant

/ ˈflɪpənt /

adjective

1. marked by inappropriate levity; frivolous or offhand

2. impertinent; saucy

3. obsolete,  talkative or nimble

Other Word Forms

• flippantly adverb
• flippancy noun
• flippantness noun
• unflippant adjective
• unflippantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of flippant¹

1595–1605; apparently flip ¹ + -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of flippant¹

C17: perhaps from _flip

Example Sentences

By refusing to commit to a disquieting atmosphere, Cregger dulls his provocation, making “Weapons” feel timid, even flippant, in the face of a genuine American crisis.

From Salon

While this may seem flippant ,"People experience and understand politics through the content they share online", Sarkar says.

From BBC

Then a flippant comment, it now sums up the fear in both Washington and Beijing: "Don't become a spy."

From BBC

A judge sanctioned state corrections officials for intentionally destroying evidence in that suit, writing that he “will not turn a blind eye to the Defendants’ blatant arrogance and flippant response to their legal obligations.”

From Los Angeles Times

Not to be flippant, but that’s exactly what every day under Trump’s second term has felt like so far — minus the latex.

From Salon

Related Words

• cheeky 
• cocky 
• disrespectful 
• glib 
• offhand 
• playful 
• rude