flanny: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial, Slightly Humorous
Quick answer
What does “flanny” mean?
A red-faced person, especially one who is sunburnt or flushed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A red-faced person, especially one who is sunburnt or flushed.
Informal and often mildly derogatory term for someone, particularly a tourist or outdoor enthusiast, whose face is visibly red, typically from sun exposure, wind, or embarrassment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily Australian and British usage; largely unknown in American English.
Connotations
In Australia, carries strong connotations of a sunburnt tourist (e.g., British tourists in Australia). In the UK, can also refer to someone flushed from wind or cold.
Frequency
Very rare in American English; most common in Australian and British informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “flanny” in a Sentence
He's a [flanny].Don't end up looking like a [flanny].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flanny” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He came back from the beach looking properly flanny.
- She's a bit flanny after that hill walk.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Not applicable.
Everyday
Used jokingly among friends or family to comment on someone's appearance after a day outdoors.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flanny”
- Confusing spelling with 'flannel'. Using in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally not considered highly offensive, but it is informal and mildly derogatory. It should be used with care, typically among friends in a light-hearted context.
No, it is primarily used as a noun (e.g., 'He's a flanny') or occasionally as an adjective ('a flanny tourist').
Its etymology is uncertain, but it is likely derived from 'flannel', referencing the red colour of traditional red flannel cloth, or perhaps related to the idea of a 'flannel face'.
No, it is very rare and largely unknown in American English. Americans would use terms like 'lobster' or 'red as a beet' instead.
A red-faced person, especially one who is sunburnt or flushed.
Flanny is usually informal, colloquial, slightly humorous in register.
Flanny: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflæni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflæni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[look/go] as red as a flanny”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FLAN (the dessert) that's been left in the sun and has turned bright red - a 'FLANny'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A COLOURED OBJECT (specifically a red, cooked or heated object).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'flanny' most appropriately used?