noun
flack
Strong criticism or hostile opposition.
The mayor takes flack for cutting the library's weekend hours.
Etymology
German Flak abbreviates a term for antiaircraft artillery. The criticism sense pictures hostile comments as incoming fire directed at someone.
More examples
- I caught flack from my neighbors about the loud music.
- The company faces flack over its new fees.
- Despite all the flack, she stands by her decision.
Similar words
- criticism
- Can include mild or constructive judgments, not just hostile reactions.
- backlash
- Emphasizes a strong negative reaction to a change or event.
- opposition
- Emphasizes resistance to something rather than expressions of disapproval.