Flamboyant is a term that refers to someone who attracts attention due to their style or confidence. Traditionally, it has been used as a derogatory adjective against queer men. Some queer men, however, reclaim this term.
History
Flamboyant, which was borrowed into English from French in the 19th century, can be traced back to Old French flambe, meaning "flame." In its earliest uses flamboyant referred to a style of architecture, often in the florid French Gothic style, which featured waving curves that suggested flames. Eventually, the word developed a more general second sense for anything eye-catching or showy. And of course, Old French flambe is also the origin of the English adjective flambé.[1] It is unknown when it first began being used against queer men.
A flag for those who reclaim the term was created by Tumblr user faerieolgy on February 21st, 2022.[2]