It’s Just a Phase; Don’t Let It Faze You …
and don’t give me any flak … I’m just a flack for good grammar and usage.
These two pairs of words are consistently misused, so I want to set the record straight once and for all.
Phase is a noun indicating a passing behavioural pattern or a certain stage of development. (Example: Most children go through a rebellious phase in their teens.) It can also be a verb indicating a gradual movement. (Example: We are going to phase in these changes slowly, so that we don’t upset anyone.)
Faze is a verb meaning “to discompose or discomfit.” Example: Her cruel words didn’t faze him; he continued to stalk her night and day.
Flak is a noun referring to the bits of shrapnel and antiaircraft weaponry used to destroy enemy fighters. (Example: John’s Sopwith Camel took a lot of flak, but he brought it down safely.)
A flack is a press agent or publicist. When used as a verb, it means “to promote.” (Example: I spent weeks flacking my novel as part of a book tour.)
While some dictionaries and even grammarians indicate that flak and flack can be used interchangeably, it is best, I think, to go with the stricter interpretation so that you do not leave yourself open to correction. Of course, I take a lot of flak for my pedantic opinions.