flak etymology

Etymology

The word "flak" is derived from the German word "Flak", which is an abbreviation of "Fliegerabwehrkanone", meaning "aircraft defense cannon".

Meaning

"Flak" has two main meanings:

1. Anti-aircraft artillery: Guns, missiles, or other weapons used to shoot down or destroy aircraft.
2. Intense criticism or opposition: A heavy barrage of negative feedback or disapproval, often directed towards a person, organization, or idea.

Origin

The term "flak" was first used during World War II to refer to German anti-aircraft guns. It became widely known during the Battle of Britain (1940-1941), when the German Luftwaffe heavily targeted British cities with flak.

After the war, "flak" was adopted into the English language to describe any type of anti-aircraft artillery. The metaphorical sense of "flak" as intense criticism emerged later, possibly inspired by the barrage-like nature of anti-aircraft fire.

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