These two verbs sound almost the same, and both suggest a bold attitude. They describe different actions.
- To flout a rule, law or convention is to disregard it openly.
- To flaunt something is to show it off, usually to make others notice.
Flout: ignore openly
The students flouted the rule by using their phones in class.
He flouted the dress code on purpose.
Flaunt: show off
She flaunted her new watch at lunch.
He likes to flaunt his trophies in the hall.
Easy way to tell them apart
Ask: Is it a rule being broken, or something being shown?
- A rule, law or custom being ignored? Use flout.
- Something being shown off to be noticed? Use flaunt.
💡 The OddLingo Trick
To flout a rule is to break it out in the open, and flout even has out inside it. To flaunt is to show off, and flaunt has an a for attention: you want everyone to look.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Ignoring a rule? Use flout.
❌ She flaunted the speed limit.
✅ She flouted the speed limit.
Showing off? Use flaunt.
❌ He flouted his new bike at the park.
✅ He flaunted his new bike at the park.