Flamboyant describes someone or something that is very showy, colorful, or dramatic in style or behavior. It suggests a love of attracting attention.
“Flamboyant” comes from French, from “flamboyer,” meaning “to flame” or “to blaze,” which is related to the word “flame.” It originally described a style of late Gothic architecture with flame-like shapes.
The word began with buildings, not people—it described stone carvings that looked like fire. Now, when we call a person flamboyant, we’re saying their personality is as impossible to ignore as bright flames.
'Flamboyant' has been used in gendered and sexualized ways, especially to stereotype gay men or women who do not conform to subdued gender norms. Over time it has often carried a subtle judgment about masculinity or femininity that is 'too much' for social expectations.
Use 'flamboyant' descriptively for style or performance without tying it to gender or sexual orientation, and avoid using it as shorthand for someone's identity. If describing a person, focus on their self-described style and avoid reinforcing stereotypes.
["expressive","dramatic","highly stylized","showy"]
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