Pedantic word(s) of the day

I see a lot of people using “flaunt” as a synonym for “flout.” Most of these people, in fact, don’t seem to be aware of the word “flout.”

Now, it turns out that so many people have used “flaunt” to mean “flout” over the years that this meaning — practically an antonym — has crept into the dictionary definition, albeit at #4.

flaunt  /flÉ”nt/ Pronunciation Key – Show Spelled Pronunciation[flawnt] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used without object)
1. to parade or display oneself conspicuously, defiantly, or boldly.
2. to wave conspicuously in the air.
–verb (used with object)
3. to parade or display ostentatiously: to flaunt one’s wealth.
4. to ignore or treat with disdain: He was expelled for flaunting military regulations.
–noun
5. the act of flaunting.
6. Obsolete. something flaunted.

flout  /flaÊŠt/ Pronunciation Key – Show Spelled Pronunciation[flout] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object)
1. to treat with disdain, scorn, or contempt; scoff at; mock: to flout the rules of propriety.
–verb (used without object)
2. to show disdain, scorn, or contempt; scoff, mock, or gibe (often fol. by at).
–noun
3. a disdainful, scornful, or contemptuous remark or act; insult; gibe.

Since we’re using the language with, by far, the most words of any, picking the most-precise word for a given meaning is a luxury we can easily afford.

So don’t make me flout you upside the head.

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