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Flack - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

flack

/flæk/ /flæk/

Definition:

A publicist or spokesperson; also, criticism or hostile reaction.

Synonyms:

publicist, spokesperson, press agent, critic

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

praise, approval

Common Collocations:

take flack, get flack, face flack, handle flack

Derivatives:

flacking, flacked

Usage Tips:

Use "flack" for criticism or a PR agent; avoid confusion with "flak" (anti-aircraft fire).

Common Phrases:

catch flack, give someone flack, under flack

Etymology:

Originated in the 1930s as a variant of "flak," meaning anti-aircraft fire; later extended metaphorically to criticism.

Examples:

  • 1. The celebrity hired a flack to manage her media image.
  • 2. Politicians often face flack for controversial decisions.
  • 3. She got a lot of flack for her bold fashion choice.
  • 4. The company’s PR team took the flack for the scandal.

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