“Flaunt” and “flout” are among the most commonly confused words in English. They look similar, sound somewhat alike, and are often misused in writing.
Despite their resemblance, the two words have very different meanings. One relates to showing something off, while the other involves ignoring or defying rules.
Quick Answer
The difference between flaunt and flout is simple:
- Flaunt means to show something off openly, often to attract attention.
- Flout means to openly ignore, disobey, or show contempt for a rule, law, or convention.
Examples
- She flaunted her new luxury car on social media.
- The company flouted environmental regulations.
If you’re displaying something, use flaunt.
If you’re breaking or ignoring a rule, use flout.
Why People Confuse Flaunt And Flout
These words are among the most commonly confused pairs in English because they:
- Look similar.
- Sound somewhat alike.
- Are both verbs.
- Often describe noticeable behavior.
The confusion has become so widespread that many people mistakenly write phrases such as:
- “flaunt the rules”
- “flaunt the law”
In standard English, those phrases should usually be:
- “flout the rules”
- “flout the law”
The difference matters because the wrong choice changes the meaning completely.
Key Difference At A Glance
| Context | Correct Word | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Showing off wealth | Flaunt | The focus is display |
| Showing off achievements | Flaunt | The focus is attracting attention |
| Ignoring regulations | Flout | The focus is disobedience |
| Breaking company policy | Flout | The focus is disregard |
| Displaying a trophy | Flaunt | Something is being shown |
| Violating traffic laws | Flout | A rule is being ignored |
What Does Flaunt Mean?
Flaunt means to display something openly and deliberately so that other people notice it.
The word often carries a sense of pride, confidence, or showing off.
Common Things People Flaunt
- Wealth
- Success
- Status
- Fashion
- Skills
- Awards
- Possessions
Examples
- He flaunted his expensive watch at the event.
- The influencer flaunted her luxury vacation online.
- The athlete flaunted his championship ring.
- Some companies flaunt their sustainability achievements in advertising.
Common Collocations
- flaunt wealth
- flaunt success
- flaunt status
- flaunt luxury
- flaunt achievements
- flaunt one’s talents
What Does Flout Mean?
Flout means to openly ignore, violate, or show contempt for a rule, law, custom, or social expectation.
Unlike flaunt, which involves displaying something, flout involves disregarding something.
Things Commonly Flouted
- Laws
- Rules
- Regulations
- Policies
- Traditions
- Social norms
Examples
- The organization was accused of flouting labor laws.
- Drivers who flout traffic regulations may face penalties.
- Several companies were fined for flouting safety standards.
- The group openly flouted the venue’s rules.
Common Collocations
- flout the law
- flout regulations
- flout the rules
- flout authority
- flout convention
- flout standards
Tone, Context, And Connotation
Although both words describe noticeable behavior, they create very different impressions.
Flaunt
Usually suggests:
- Pride
- Confidence
- Self-promotion
- Showing off
It may be positive, neutral, or negative depending on context.
Flout
Usually suggests:
- Defiance
- Rebellion
- Disrespect
- Noncompliance
It almost always carries a negative tone.
Parts Of Speech
Both words function primarily as verbs.
Flaunt
Verb meaning “to display.”
- She flaunted her achievements.
Flout
Verb meaning “to disregard.”
- They flouted company policy.
Because both words are verbs, identifying the sentence’s action is the best way to choose correctly.
Common Mistakes And Quick Fixes
Mistake: Using Flaunt For Rules
Incorrect:
- The company flaunted safety regulations.
Correct:
- The company flouted safety regulations.
Regulations are ignored, not displayed.
Mistake: Using Flout For Possessions
Incorrect:
- He flouted his new sports car.
Correct:
- He flaunted his new sports car.
A car can be displayed but cannot be disobeyed.
Mistake: Confusing Attention With Defiance
Ask yourself:
Is someone showing something off, or ignoring a rule?
- Showing off → flaunt
- Ignoring a rule → flout
Everyday Examples
Flaunt Examples
- She flaunted her promotion during the meeting.
- The celebrity flaunted designer clothing online.
- He never flaunts his success despite being wealthy.
- The restaurant flaunts its award-winning menu.
Flout Examples
- The business was penalized for flouting tax laws.
- Some visitors flouted park regulations.
- The athlete was criticized for flouting league rules.
- The company repeatedly flouted industry standards.
Sentence Correction Practice
Correct the following:
Incorrect
- The organization flaunted environmental regulations.
Correct
- The organization flouted environmental regulations.
Incorrect
- She flouted her new jewelry collection.
Correct
- She flaunted her new jewelry collection.
Incorrect
- Several drivers flaunted traffic laws.
Correct
- Several drivers flouted traffic laws.
Memory Tricks To Remember The Difference
Flaunt = Flash
Both words begin with “Fla”.
Think:
Flaunt = Flash It Around
If something is being displayed, flaunt is usually correct.
Flout = Break The Rules
Think of flout whenever rules are involved.
- flout the law
- flout regulations
- flout standards
If someone is ignoring a rule, use flout.
Word Origins
Flaunt
The word emerged in English with the meaning of displaying something conspicuously or proudly.
Flout
The word developed from older forms meaning to mock, scorn, or treat with contempt, which explains its connection to ignoring rules and authority.
Although the words sound similar today, they developed from different historical origins.
FAQ
What is the difference between flaunt and flout?
Flaunt means to show something off openly. Flout means to openly ignore or violate a rule, law, or standard.
Can you flaunt the law?
In standard English, no. People typically flout the law, not flaunt the law.
What does flaunt mean in a sentence?
Example:
- She flaunted her success by posting photos of her awards online.
What does flout mean in a sentence?
Example:
- The company was fined for flouting workplace safety regulations.
Why are flaunt and flout often confused?
They have similar spellings, similar pronunciations, and both describe noticeable behavior, but their meanings are completely different.
Is flout always negative?
Usually yes. Flout typically implies deliberate disregard for rules, laws, or accepted standards.
Conclusion
Flaunt and flout may look similar, but they express very different ideas.
- Flaunt means to display something openly, often to attract attention.
- Flout means to openly ignore, violate, or show contempt for a rule or standard.
A simple rule to remember:
You flaunt achievements, wealth, or possessions. You flout laws, rules, and regulations.
Keeping that distinction in mind will help you use both words accurately and confidently in everyday writing.
