Flamboyant


Doug asked about the word flamboyant. Currently, it means exhibiting behavior that attracts attention because of exuberance that goes over the top. In my generation, Little Richard comes to mind.

Proximately, the word came from a French word meaning flame. Ultimately, it goes back to a Latin word meaning to burn. Originally, in English, it referred to a medieval French architectural style that featured wavy lines resembling flames. In later eras, the style was seen as florid and excessively ornate.

Lurking in the background is the burning question, why do flammable and inflammable mean the same thing?



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