Flat means smooth and even, without bumps, curves, or holes. It can also mean lacking excitement or energy, or in music, slightly lower in pitch.
“Flat” comes from Old Norse “flatr,” meaning “flat, level, or broad.” It spread into English in areas with strong Viking influence and has kept its basic sense of levelness.
The idea of flatness is so strong that we use it metaphorically everywhere: flat jokes, flat soda, flat notes in music. Each one suggests that something expected to rise or pop just… doesn’t.
'Flat' has been used in a gendered way to comment on women's bodies, particularly breasts, often as an insult linked to narrow beauty standards. This usage reflects long-standing objectification and policing of women's appearance.
Avoid using 'flat' to judge or describe people's bodies unless clinically relevant and requested; use it for objects, surfaces, or musical pitch instead. If body description is necessary, use neutral, non-evaluative language.
["even","level","apartment (for housing)","out of tune (for music)"]
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