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memo
to: everyone
re: english lexicon -- flaunt and flout
i've seen this enough recently that it's time to rant about it.
please note that these words are not synonyms. both have to do with being conspicuous, even ostentatious, but flaunt means "display, show off" and flout means "snub, reject, treat with contempt". i'm aware that the dictionaries now recognize "flout" as one of the definitions of "flaunt". i don't care. we have two different words because they reflect two different concepts. if you wish your listeners to be neither confused by nor scornful of your use of the english language, for the love of christ please preserve this distinction.
and please don't make me get out the pour vs. pore memo again. jesus, you know?
thank you. :-)
re: english lexicon -- flaunt and flout
i've seen this enough recently that it's time to rant about it.
please note that these words are not synonyms. both have to do with being conspicuous, even ostentatious, but flaunt means "display, show off" and flout means "snub, reject, treat with contempt". i'm aware that the dictionaries now recognize "flout" as one of the definitions of "flaunt". i don't care. we have two different words because they reflect two different concepts. if you wish your listeners to be neither confused by nor scornful of your use of the english language, for the love of christ please preserve this distinction.
and please don't make me get out the pour vs. pore memo again. jesus, you know?
thank you. :-)
no subject
i'm aware that the dictionaries now recognize "flout" as one of the definitions of "flaunt". You're kidding? That's alarming. Goes to check my various dictionaries and is pleased to report that none of them do that.