flak

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : un attaché de presse habile qui transforme toute critique en faveur de son employeur ; une critique négative virulente ; ou une artillerie antiaérienne tirant vers le haut sur les avions.

A noun with multiple meanings: a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer; intense adverse criticism; or artillery designed to shoot upward at airplanes.

1. SpokespersonB2informalamerican

   A skilled representative who can reframe any criticism to benefit their organization.

   porte-parole

   • The company's flak managed to turn the product recall into a story about quality control improvements.
   • He works as a flak for a major tech corporation, handling all media inquiries.
   • The politician's flak deflected every question about the scandal with practiced ease.

   Synonymespress agentpublicistspin doctorspokesperson

2. Intense criticismB2informal

   Strong, negative feedback or disapproval directed at someone or something.

   Critiques virulentes

   • The CEO took a lot of flak for the company's poor environmental record.
   • The new policy received heavy flak from the public and the press.
   • She caught flak from her colleagues for missing the deadline.

   Synonymesabusecarpingcensurecondemnationcriticismdisapprovalfaultfindinghostilityopprobrium

3. Anti-aircraft fireC1formaltechnical

   Artillery designed to shoot at aircraft from the ground.

   Tir antiaérien

   • The bomber pilot flew through heavy flak over the enemy territory.
   • The plane was hit by flak and had to make an emergency landing.
   • Anti-aircraft flak lit up the night sky during the battle.

   Synonymesack-ackantiaircraft fire