Definition

Noun: 1. Inappropriate levity or lack of seriousness: The quality of treating serious matters with frivolous or disrespectful humor. 2. Disrespectful casualness: A manner that is inappropriately lighthearted or offhand, especially when dealing with topics that require respect or gravity.

Usage

"Flippancy" is an uncountable noun used to describe a person's overall attitude or the tone of their remarks. It is a formal and critical term, implying that someone's behavior or words are unsuitable for the situation due to a lack of proper respect or earnestness.

Examples

• The judge reprimanded the lawyer for his flippancy in the courtroom.
• Her flippancy when discussing the company's financial crisis alarmed the board members.
• I was hurt by the flippancy of his response to my serious question.

Advanced Usage

• "A touch/trace/hint of flippancy": Used to indicate a slight, often detectable, amount of disrespectful casualness in someone's tone or manner.
  • There was a hint of flippancy in his voice that made me doubt his sincerity.

Variants and Related Words

• Flippant (adjective): Showing inappropriate levity; not showing a serious or respectful attitude.
  • He made a flippant remark about the solemn ceremony.
• Flippantly (adverb): In a flippant manner.
  • She answered flippantly, not realizing how important the question was.

Synonyms

• Levity: Lightness of manner or speech, especially when inappropriate.
• Frivolity: Lack of seriousness; lightheartedness.
• Flippantness: (Less common) The state or quality of being flippant.
• Disrespectfulness: Lack of respect or courtesy.

Antonyms

• Solemnity: The state or quality of being serious and dignified.
• Gravity: Seriousness or importance of manner.
• Earnestness: Sincere and intense conviction.
• Respectfulness: Showing deference and esteem.

Noun

1. inappropriate levity
   • her mood changed and she was all lightness and joy