flack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Informal, especially in media/journalism contexts.
Quick answer
What does “flack” mean?
Strong criticism, opposition, or argument.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Strong criticism, opposition, or argument; also, a person who publicizes or promotes something.
To act as a publicity agent or promoter; to publicize vigorously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'flak' is the dominant spelling for criticism and the historical anti-aircraft fire. 'Flack' for a publicist is understood but seen as an Americanism. In the US, 'flack' for a publicist is common, and 'flak' is also used for criticism.
Connotations
'Flack' as a publicist can have a slightly negative connotation of spin or aggressive promotion.
Frequency
The 'publicist' sense is more frequent in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “flack” in a Sentence
[Subject] took flack for [action/noun][Subject] is flacking for [client/company][Subject] hired a flack to [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been flacking for the new tech startup, trying to get media coverage.
American English
- She was hired to flack the candidate's environmental record during the campaign.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not standard as adverb).
American English
- N/A (Not standard as adverb).
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard as adjective).
American English
- N/A (Not standard as adjective).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO took a lot of flack from shareholders for the merger.
Academic
The theory drew significant flack from established researchers.
Everyday
I knew I'd get flack from my parents for coming home late.
Technical
N/A (Informal term)
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flack”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flack”
- Using 'flack' in formal writing for 'criticism' (prefer 'flak' or 'criticism').
- Misspelling 'flak jacket' as 'flack jacket'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, 'flak' refers to anti-aircraft fire or, by extension, severe criticism. 'Flack' is an informal term for a publicity agent or publicist. In modern usage, especially in the US, they are often used interchangeably for 'criticism'.
No, it is informal. For formal writing, use 'criticism' or 'censure' for the 'criticism' sense, and 'publicist', 'press agent', or 'public relations officer' for the 'publicist' sense.
Yes, informally, meaning to act as a publicist or to promote vigorously (e.g., 'He spent the week flacking his new book on every talk show').
No, both 'flak' and 'flack' are pronounced identically (/flæk/).
Strong criticism, opposition, or argument.
Flack: in British English it is pronounced /flæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /flæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “catch/take flack”
- “flack jacket (literal and figurative for protection from criticism)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a publicist (FLACK) throwing up a protective screen against a barrage of criticism (FLAK), like anti-aircraft fire.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS PROJECTILE FIRE / PUBLICITY IS A SHIELD.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'flack' LEAST likely to be used?