flak
UK[flæk]US[flæk]
n
Strong criticism or opposition.
n
Anti-aircraft fire.
Etymology
The word 'flak' entered English during World War II as a direct borrowing from German military jargon. It originated as an acronym for Fliegerabwehrkanone, literally translating to "aviator defense cannon." Initially, it referred strictly to the guns themselves and the bursting shells they fired at aircraft. Through a classic process of metonymy, the term's meaning expanded in English to encompass not only the physical anti-aircraft fire but also, metaphorically, any vehement criticism or hostile opposition, drawing a parallel between being under fire from guns and under attack from words.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from German. It is an acronym from the German term Fliegerabwehrkanone, meaning "aviator-defense-cannon." The morpheme 'flak' is not productively segmented in English.
Examples
The new policy drew a lot of flak from environmental groups.
The bombers flew through heavy flak over the target zone.
As the spokesperson, she often takes the flak for the company's mistakes.