Bootlicker: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who excessively flatters or behaves obsequiously towards someone in power to gain favor, often in a work or political setting. This term has a negative connotation.

• He's such a bootlicker, always agreeing with the boss no matter what.
• The senator surrounded himself with bootlickers who never challenged his opinions.

A formal term used to describe a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage. Often found in literary or intellectual discussions. It has a negative connotation.

• The king's court was filled with sycophants who only told him what he wanted to hear.
• As a sycophant, she was eager to do anything to gain his approval.

A more neutral term for someone who compliments others, often insincerely, to gain favor. It is not as derogatory but still implies a lack of genuineness.

• He's a skillful flatterer, always knowing exactly what to say to make someone feel good.
• You need to watch out for flatterers who might not have your best interest at heart.

A somewhat old-fashioned term for someone who flatters or acts subserviently to someone important. It also carries a negative connotation.

• He's nothing but a toady, always doing whatever the CEO wants.
• The film portrayed the advisor as a toady who eventually got his comeuppance.

Informal and derogatory term for someone who ingratiates themselves with their superiors through excessive flattery or obsequious behavior.

• She's the biggest brownnoser in the office, always complimenting the manager's ideas.
• I can't stand working with brownnosers; they make it hard to be genuine.