flak
word
Definition
'Flak' originally refers to anti-aircraft gunfire, but it is now commonly used to mean strong criticism or negative feedback, especially in informal English.
Usage & Nuances
Most often used informally to mean criticism: 'take flak for (something)'. Rarely used for actual anti-aircraft fire except in historical or military contexts. Not related to 'flag'—don't confuse them. Common in news and conversation.
Spanish: críticas - fuego antiaéreoPortuguese (BR): críticas - fogo antiaéreoPortuguese (PT): críticas - fogo antiaéreoChinese (Simplified): 批评 - 高射炮火Chinese (Traditional): 批評 - 高射砲火Hindi: आलोचना - विमान भेदी तोप की गोलाबारीArabic: انتقادات - نيران مضادة للطائراتBengali: সমালোচনা - কড়া সমালোচনাRussian: критика - резкая критикаJapanese: 批判 - 非難Vietnamese: chỉ trích - phản đối gay gắtKorean: 비난 - 혹평Turkish: eleştiri - sert eleştiriUrdu: تنقید - سخت تنقیدIndonesian: kritik - kecaman
Example Sentences
Whenever this brand changes its logo, it gets tons of flak online.
natural
Don't worry about the flak—not everyone will agree with you.
natural
He got flak for arriving late.
basic
The politician faced flak after his speech.
basic
They took a lot of flak for their decision.
basic
She knows she’ll get flak if she speaks out, but she doesn’t care.
natural