Nick Jobe is pursuing a degree in English with secondary teaching certification and has tutored in the Academic Center since January 2007. He is a writer, novelist, and Fall '07 winner of the Golden Ampersand award. He would also like long walks on the beach if he liked going to the beach… or walking.

Flaunt and flout are two words that may seem to be related and are sometimes used interchangeably, but they really are two completely different words.

Flaunt means to show something off.

Ex. Gina flaunted her new engagement ring, which sparkled in the sun.

Ex. Nick flaunted his Golden Ampersand trophy after a semester of having it flaunted at him.

Notice that both uses of flaunted involve somebody’s showing off something coveted by somebody else.

Flout, on the other hand, means to “arrogantly transgress against” (Scharton & Neuleib).

Ex. Steve flouted the government's ruling that he shouldn't reveal his knowledge of the Martian landing.

Ex. Joe flouted the school rules by skipping class.

Notice that both uses of flouted involve the action of somebody going against an authority of some kind.