flippant tone
[/ˈflɪpənt toʊn/]
noun phrasepl: flippant tones
tom irreverente
1. A manner of speaking that is disrespectfully casual, dismissive, or lacking appropriate seriousness about something important
He answered the judge's questions in a flippant tone, which did not help his case.
Ele respondeu as perguntas do juiz com um tom irreverente, o que não ajudou seu caso.
2. Speech characterized by levity, cheekiness, or impertinent humor when seriousness is expected
Her flippant tone when discussing the tragedy offended many people.
Seu tom desrespeitoso ao discutir a tragédia ofendeu muitas pessoas.
In Brazilian culture, flippant tone is generally considered disrespectful in formal settings (courts, professional meetings, family discussions). In American culture, particularly in NYC, it's sometimes used as a defense mechanism or casual humor, though still inappropriate in formal contexts. The term reflects expectations of social decorum that vary significantly between formal and informal settings in both cultures.
NYC Slang
smart-aleck tone
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