flatter vs zing

flatter

verb
  • To compliment someone, often (but not necessarily) insincerely and sometimes to win favour. 

  • To enhance someone's vanity by praising them. 

  • To encourage or cheer someone with (usually false) hope. 

  • To portray someone to advantage. 

noun
  • Someone who flattens, purposely or accidently. Also flattener. 

  • Someone who lives in a rented flat. 

  • A type of set tool used by blacksmiths. 

  • A flat-faced fulling hammer. 

  • A drawplate with a narrow, rectangular orifice, for drawing flat strips such as watch springs. 

zing

verb
  • To address a witty insult or comeback to. 

  • To move very quickly, especially while making a high-pitched hum. 

intj
  • A high pitched humming sound. 

  • Used to acknowledge a witty comeback, a zinger. 

noun
  • A short high-pitched humming sound, such as that made by a bullet or vibrating string. 

  • A witty insult or derogatory remark. 

  • Zest or vitality. 

  • Pleasant or exciting flavour of food. 

How often have the words flatter and zing occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )