In
modern english, "flaunt" is often
confused with "
flout." However, the two are not interchangable. Flaunt is described in this node. "
Flout" means to mock or treat with contempt; the most common usage is to speak of "flouting the rules,"
disobeying the rules in an obvious and
disrespectful manner.
The two words do not share a
root. "Flout" comes from the
French for "
flute"; "flaunt" may be from
German for "
flutter." Their confusion is probably due to superficial similarities, as well as to the general association of both with
arrogance.