Blatant/flagrant

(A proofreader's note regarding “blatant” and “flagrant”)

Words “blatant” and “flagrant,” though different in origin,

Have come to mean almost the same;

Their present distinctions are only by nuance

Yet central to modern day fame.

They both give descriptions of things, less so people,

That obviously carry offense.

Here, open display of some noted wrongdoing 

Is painted in literary sense.

The adjective “blatant” arises from Latin:

“To bleat” or “to blabber” as verb.

Its meaning as “noisy” with hint of annoying

Has mostly been left at the curb.

In present day jargon, “offensively obvious”

Is one way to simply define.

The focus is “obvious” or, likewise, “conspicuous”

As well as “obtrusive” by kind.

With “flagrant,” instead, we have “obviously offensive,”

The emphasis placed on “offense.”

“Conspicuously,” yes, may with “obviously” swap,

And there must be some breach that's intense.

Since “flagrant” connects with “to burn” in the Latin,

Misconduct is strongly implied.

Then thinking of “flames” when deciding on “flagrant”

May help to put “blatant” aside.

“His trivial remarks filled with blatant misstatements

Excused every flagrant abuse.

We stood there evincing a blatant resentment;

Let flagrant misdeeds cook his goose.”